Asian hornet captured in Co. Cork
The public is being urged to stay vigilant after a single Asian hornet was captured and confirmed in Co. Cork.
According to the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, an Asian Hornet "was seen, photographed and captured" by a member of the public in the Ringaskiddy area of Co. Cork last week.
Minister O'Sullivan said the person also quickly notified the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
"The sighting triggered a rapid response plan led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my department to investigate the possibility of any further activity in the area.
“NPWS Conservation Rangers have been surveying and monitoring the area extensively since the sighting was reported, using the methods which helped us to locate and remove two nests in Cork last year.
"I am pleased to report that there is no evidence of any further activity associated with this sighting," the minister added.
The Asian hornet is an invasive species that is not native to the island of Ireland, and originates from east Asia.
It was detected in Europe in 2004 and has successfully reproduced in many European countries including the UK.
The first discovery in Ireland of a live Asian hornet was recorded in April 2021.
Last summer two Asian hornet nests were detected and removed in Co. Cork.
Asian hornet
Minister O'Sullivan has said he is confident that Ireland's "early warning and rapid response model is working" in relation to Asian hornets.
The minister said: "Our approach builds on experience, is informed by the best available science and relies on close co-ordination between government agencies, experts and local communities.
“It is important that we stay alert.
"That’s why I am asking members of the public to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for Asian hornet activity in their gardens, and other outdoor areas.
"Early detection is key if we are to prevent this species from gaining a foothold in Ireland and damaging our pollinators and ecosystems".
According to the minister the National Museum of Ireland will now examine the single Asian hornet which was captured and confirmed in Co. Cork.
He said this will contribute to ongoing knowledge about the invasive species and the risk it poses to Ireland.
Reporting sightings
Members of the public are being encouraged to photograph sightings of the Asian Hornet and report it to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
However they have also been warned not to attempt to handle hornets.
Widespread trapping is not currently recommended as Asian hornet remains at a very low level in Ireland and widespread tracking poses unnecessary risks to native insects.
