Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
667. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of confirmed Asian Hornet nests identified in Ireland in 2025 and to date in 2026; the counties affected; and the actions taken to eradicate them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 2 Asian Hornet nests were confirmed in Ireland in 2025, in the Cork area. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department put in place a protocol, including risk assessment, to ensure the safe and efficient removal of the nest. International best practice was followed during this operation, and technical support was provided by experts from the UK, the NPWS, and The Irish Pest Control Association.
The nests were not destroyed but were instead transferred to the National Museum of Ireland where valuable research was conducted to further inform our knowledge and response to the Asian Hornet.
In a separate incident the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) dealt with an Asian Hornet nest near Belfast in October 2025.
No Asian Hornet nests have been identified in Ireland to date in 2026.
The National Biodiversity Data Centre has published a new reporting tool and new information to support accurate identification of the Asian Hornet. Links to the tool and to information on the Asian Hornet are set out below:
https://invasives.ie/asianhornetreporter.
https://invasives.ie/asianhornet/report/.
