The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed that there have been 24 verified sightings of Asian hornets and two nests have been found.<\/p>\n
The NPWS says some of these sightings are likely related to the same nest.<\/p>\n
The vast majority of the sightings of the Asian hornet have been in Cork, while there has been one single sighting in Dublin.<\/p>\n
An Asian hornet is an invasive apex insect predator that poses a significant threat to wildlife and the functioning of ecosystems.<\/p>\n
The NPWS said all reports are being investigated and followed up, while the Asian Hornet Management Group is following international evidence and best practice.<\/p>\n
The organisation said it recognises the threat that the Asian Hornet poses to pollinators and is engaging with the Irish Beekeepers Associations.<\/p>\n
In a statement the NPWS said: “The Group has met on several occasions with representatives of beekeeper organisations.<\/p>\n
“NPWS has entered into an agreement with the University of Galway and Irish Pest Control Association to develop a rapid deployment model for future sightings.<\/p>\n
“Bespoke training will be developed for pest controllers as part of this agreement.”<\/p>\n
Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of Asian Hornet, along with a photograph to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.<\/p>\n