Minister O’Sullivan confirms finding of first Asian Hornet nest in Ireland
- Published on: 28 August 2025
- Last updated on: 28 August 2025
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD has today confirmed that an Asian Hornet nest was found yesterday evening (August 27th). The nest was found following intensive monitoring and survey activities by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) working with experts from the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the National Museum of Ireland and local expertise.
Reacting to the news the Minister said:
“The Asian Hornet poses a significant threat to pollinators and the sighting of one earlier this month was concerning for all of us invested in protecting our biodiversity. Since then a team of experts led by the NPWS engaged in a full scale and thorough search for any further activity and the possible presence of a nest.”
“While this finding is worrying, international experience shows that if we act quickly, we can prevent this destructive species from establishing in Ireland. In this case, the team of experts led by the NPWS, quickly identified the location of the nest. Work is now underway to safely remove it.”
“I would like to pay tribute to NPWS staff, Conservation Rangers, Cork City Council, Beekeepers and all of the experts involved for their collective efforts. I would also like to thank members of the public, who reported sightings and sent photographs to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, as well as those who facilitated access to their land over the past few weeks.”
“Surveying and monitoring of the area will continue until we are satisfied that there is no further evidence of activity. I encourage members of the public to continue reporting any sightings to the website www.invasives.ie.”
The Asian Hornet Management Group was established in response to the sighting of an Asian Hornet earlier in August. The group is chaired by the NPWS with representation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Museum of Ireland. In planning its response, the group has engaged with international experts in the UK. Sightings from members of the public, along with track and trace efforts were used to locate the nest.
The Asian Hornet is not generally aggressive, but it may sting if provoked. The public are therefore advised not to approach or attempt to capture a suspected individual but instead to report any suspected sightings including a photograph if possible. The Asian Hornet can be easily confused with native species such as the giant woodwasp, the dark giant horsefly, and the common wasp.
ENDS