Multiple Asian hornets have been spotted in Co Cork, while a single sighting was reported in Dublin city.

In a rolling update regarding the situation, the Irish invasive species watchdog reports the removal of a second Asian hornet nest from Cork.

The nest, which was removed on 9 September from Cobh, Co Cork, is currently placed under secure storage at the National Museum of Ireland, where it will undergo a detailed analysis in the coming weeks, according to John Kelly, the invasive species program manager at the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC).

Multiple Asian hornets, mostly in Cork, have been sighted since late July this year, while a single sighting was reported in Dublin's Inchicore.

As of 9 September, the Invasive Alien Species in Ireland, a database run by the NBDC, confirms 24 verified sightings of Asian hornets spread over two counties. Two nests have been discovered to date, both of which have been removed.

Asian hornets pose a significant threat to Irish biodiversity, as even a single nest can devastate local honeybee populations. Although, they are not a significant risk to public health.

These series of sightings are the second-ever in Ireland. In 2021, a single Asian hornet was sighted in Dublin, however, it was not associated with any wild populations.

This species of hornets were first identified in Europe in a consignment of pottery from China to the south of France in 2004. Since then, these insects have quickly established themselves and spread to many regions of France and throughout the EU.

The first hornet sighting this year was reported to the NBDC website by a member of a public. "Members of the public are our eyes on the ground", said Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, TD at the time.

Since the sighting, a new Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG) has been created, which has been co-ordinating efforts, gathering further information and monitoring the situation over the past weeks.

In a recent statement, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) told the press, "[The] NPWS has entered into an agreement with the University of Galway and Irish Pest Control Association to develop a rapid deployment model for future sightings.

"Bespoke training will be developed for pest controllers as part of this agreement."

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