New biodiversity threat as sighting of Asian Hornet in Ireland is confirmed
The Government has this morning (Wednesday) announced the setting up of a new taskforce in response to a confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in Ireland.
The insect, which is larger than the common wasp, poses a threat to Ireland's biodiversity as it can devastate honeybee populations.
The Asian Hornet sighting took place in Cork, and was reported by a member of the public.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) confirmed the sighting and subsequent capture of the Asian Hornet, saying its presence represented a biosecurity alert for Ireland.
"Asian Hornet pose a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations. The discovery of an Asian Hornet does not pose a significant public health risk," said a Government statement this morning.
It went on to announce the creation of an "Asian Hornet Management Group", chaired by the NPWS, and including the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Museum of Ireland.
This taskforce will "co-ordinate efforts, gather further information and monitor the situation" over the coming weeks.
Speaking about the incident, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan said: "Asian Hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. We must take even a single sighting very seriously.
"NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area.
"One individual was captured and a co-ordinated response is now underway through a new cross-government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation. We are also very grateful for the support of beekeepers and their associations in this endeavour.
"This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species.
"I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian Hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity," the Minister of State added.
The sighting in Cork was reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre's website by a member of the public. A photograph was included, which was confirmed as an Asian Hornet by entomologists at both the National Museum of Ireland and NPWS, triggering a rapid response protocol.
A survey team was quickly deployed and extensive monitoring and surveying conducted. No evidence of a hornet nest or any other hornet activity was initially observed, however subsequent surveillance led to the trapping of an Asian Hornet yesterday (August 12).
The Government statement said "extensive monitoring will continue over the coming weeks" to determine whether this is one individual or evidence of a larger population.
This is the second time a confirmed sighting of the invasive species has taken place in Ireland. The first sighting was of a single Asian Hornet in Dublin in 2021, but that insect was "not associated with a wild viable population".
Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Alien Watch reporting portal here.
If you suspect you have spotted an Asian Hornet, do not attempt to disturb or capture the hornet. While not generally aggressive, it may sting if provoked.
Any photographs, location coordinates, or samples (if safe to collect post-mortem) are extremely valuable to the response team. It is important to note that Asian Hornet can be easily confused with native species such as the giant woodwasp, the dark giant horsefly, and the common wasp.
The following fact sheet has been issued in relation to the Asian Hornet: