NPWS confirms 24 verified sightings of Asian hornets
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed that there have been 24 verified sightings of Asian hornets and two nests have been found.
The NPWS says some of these sightings are likely related to the same nest.
The vast majority of the sightings of the Asian hornet have been in Cork, while there has been one single sighting in Dublin.
An Asian hornet is an invasive apex insect predator that poses a significant threat to wildlife and the functioning of ecosystems.
The NPWS said all reports are being investigated and followed up, while the Asian Hornet Management Group is following international evidence and best practice.
The organisation said it recognises the threat that the Asian Hornet poses to pollinators and is engaging with the Irish Beekeepers Associations.
In a statement the NPWS said: "The Group has met on several occasions with representatives of beekeeper organisations.
"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."
Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of Asian Hornet, along with a photograph to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Read: Hornet spotted in Cork beer garden was 'twice the size of a wasp'
