Two more reports of possible Asian hornet sightings as rangers remove nest in Cork
Asian hornets threaten to 'wreak havoc' with pollinators here. File photo
Two more possible sightings of Asian hornets in Cobh, Co Cork and Inchicore in Dublin have been reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre for invasive species.
It comes after the removal of the first-ever nest, discovered in Cork last week, began on Thursday, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The nest will undergo testing while monitoring by local rangers and beekeepers continues.
Colette O'Connell, director and public relations officer of the Irish Beekeepers Association CLG, told the that two more sightings of the insect that threatens to “wreak havoc” with pollinators here, have been reported in Cobh and south Dublin in recent days.
She said they have beekeepers in the areas who will remain vigilant, though Áinle Ní Bhriain of the Asian Hornet Management Group said there has been no confirmation or evidence of any other nests in Ireland.
"The other sightings — absolutely we are following up on every single sighting but we have no evidence that there is any other nest as such," Ms Ní Bhriain told Cork's Red FM.
"A nest would be a much bigger thing. There has been sightings and the NPWS is following up on every single one."
An “Inchicore Area Alert” will be shared on social media in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the NPWS has begun work to carefully remove the Asian hornet nest discovered in Cork.
A rapid response led by Irish beekeepers and conservation authorities got underway soon after the alert was made on July 31, and the nest was successfully located last week.
A spokesperson for the NPWS said the process to remove the nest will take place over four days.
“The nest will not be destroyed,” said the statement. “The nest will be controlled and removed for further research.
“A full plan is in place, including risk assessment, as it’s in a difficult location. The window for the removal operation is sometime between Thursday and Sunday."
The statement said the extended window is allowing for weather conditions on site.
Ms O'Connell, of the Irish Beekeepers Association, said she is “relieved” that the nest in Cork is in the process of being removed to stop queens or foundresses emerging next year.
“John Kelly, from the National Biodiversity Data Centre [documenting] invasive species, has confirmed that there has been a possible second sighting in Dublin. We have beekeepers in the area, and we remain vigilant
“The capture has been a success to date. The Irish Beekeepers [Association CLG] hit the ground running on Monday, August 3. We have offers for help, we had good supports, beekeepers, and the public around the area have been fantastic as well as the NPWS ranger in the area.
“The Jersey Asian hornet volunteers have worked with government-appointed groups to manage this. They are a phenomenal example of good and beneficial teamwork."
It is understood that the first sighting of the Asian hornet
was made by former students from the school of biological earth and environmental sciences at UCC.
“I also have been told that the genetic testing of the Asian Hornets will be done in UCC,” said Ms O’Connell.
Once the presence of the Asian hornet was confirmed, the NPWS set up traps while members of the Irish Beekeepers Association CLG prepared monitoring traps within a 2.5km radius.
A licence was secured by the NPWS in order to contain the nest under EU regulations. Ms O’Connell also confirmed that the Irish Beekeepers Association CLG has now applied for a similar licence.
