Beekeepers signal major decline of wild habitats

The Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations has warned of a major problem with the decline of habitats, flora and fauna, bees, birds and other wildlife.

Paul O’Brien, president, told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, that elderly beekeepers have told him that in the past, it was possible to keep 60 or 70 beehives.

It is no longer possible to do so because there is no food available. Hedgerows are protected, but there is no stipulation on how they are to be cut.

He said Teagasc has been very supportive of the Federation. Together, they produced a very good document last year on how to manage and cut hedgerows.

But as there is no legislation in place, mechanical diggers are being used to remove the hedgerows and they are not growing back. “If we lose the insects, we will lose the birds and our green image. Canaries were brought down mines years ago and if they died, miners knew that they had to get out.

“Bees are now dying. They are telling us something, but if we do not listen to what it is, we will let down future generations,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said Ireland was known worldwide as the land of milk and honey. It still produces milk but not as much honey.

Many uplands and hedgerows have disappeared. Wildflower meadows are now seldom seen. All of these changes have resulted in a reduced number of wild native bees.

“Ireland prides itself on being a green island with wild tourism and green agriculture, but we should be more protective of nature.”