The threat posed to Ireland\u2019s bee population by Asian hornets requires a coordinated national response, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.<\/p>\n
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party\u2019s environment spokesperson, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recent successful removal of an Asian hornet nest in Cork is a positive development and a testament to the hard work of local beekeepers and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe nest was located thanks to the efforts of a small group of beekeepers, including a retired teacher from Dungarvan, who monitored bait stations and worked closely with the NPWS to track the hornets.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Cork case has highlighted the limited field capacity of the NPWS, making collaboration with trained beekeepers and the public essential.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrent law prohibits the release of alien species. While sound in principle, it unintentionally blocks the most effective nest-tracking method \u2013 tagging and then tracing hornets \u2013 which is used successfully in the UK. This barrier seriously hampers the work of beekeepers in Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to legislate to allow for trained beekeepers to assist in \u2018catch-mark-release-recapture\u2019 operations for nest detection, with a formal licensing system to ensure there is proper training and oversight.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no room for complacency, as there have also been reports of Asian hornets spotted in Cobh and possibly Dublin. This shows the threat is growing and will require a coordinated national response.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must move from being reactive to proactive. A national Asian hornet response plan is needed before we face a full-blown emergency.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am now calling on the government to fast-track a national plan, amend legislation to allow proven tracking methods, and empower beekeepers and citizen scientists to support early detection.\u201d<\/p>\n
September 12, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The threat posed to Ireland\u2019s bee population by Asian hornets requires a coordinated national response, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party\u2019s environment spokesperson, said: \u201cThe recent successful removal of an Asian hornet nest in Cork is a positive development and a testament to the hard work of local […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13317,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[517,727,268,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-biodiversity","category-environment","category-jennifer-whitmore","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n