There have been 24 verified sightings of Asian hornets and two nests located, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed.<\/p>\n
The invasive species threatens to \u201cwreak havoc\u201d with pollinators here, and close monitoring of the areas where it was spotted is currently underway.<\/p>\n
In a statement the NPWS said as of September 9, its investigations show:<\/p>\n
24 verified sightings of Asian hornets;
\n 2 Asian hornet nests have been found in Cork, one in the city and one in Cobh;\u00a0
\n 2 counties have had verified Asian hornet sightings\u00a0<\/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
The NPWS said all reports are being investigated and followed up, while the Asian Hornet Management Group is following international evidence and best practice in its response.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the NPWS said: \u201cThe AHMG recognises the threat that the Asian hornet poses to pollinators in Ireland and is actively engaging with beekeepers associations as the situation evolves.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe group has met on several occasions with representatives of beekeeper organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cNPWS 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
\u201cBespoke training will be developed for pest controllers as part of this agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n
The discovery of two nests in Cork is expected to form the basis of a working protocol for future incursions.<\/p>\n
The NPWS also said it is not aware of \u201cany other active Asian hornet nests at this time but are remaining vigilant and encouraging reporting of suspect sightings.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n