Breaking News: A major operation to locate a possible Asian hornet nest in Cork Harbour has entered a critical new phase after a second insect was captured in Ringaskiddy.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is deploying specialist bait stations and transmitter technology to track individual hornets back to their nest. Officials say rapid action is essential to prevent the invasive species from becoming established in Ireland.
Asian hornet operation intensifies in Cork
The latest developments follow the confirmed capture of two Asian hornets in the Ringaskiddy area. The second insect was caught by a member of the public close to the location where another hornet had been photographed the previous week.
The discovery has increased concern that a nest could be nearby. NPWS conservation rangers are now conducting intensive surveillance around Cork Harbour, using methods designed to identify flight paths and trace the insects to their source.
Specialist bait stations will help monitor further activity, while small transmitters may be used to follow individual hornets as they return to a nest. Similar techniques have been used successfully in other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Key facts
- The search is focused on Ringaskiddy and the wider Cork Harbour area.
- Two Asian hornets have been captured or confirmed in the area.
- NPWS is using bait stations and transmitter technology.
- The main concern is the potential impact on honeybees and native pollinators.
- Suspected sightings should be reported through invasives.ie.
Why Asian hornets are a concern for Ireland
Asian hornets are aggressive predators of many insects. Honeybees account for an average of about 30 per cent of their diet, making the species a serious concern for beekeepers, pollinating insects and Ireland’s wider biodiversity.
The insect is native to parts of Asia, including China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia. It has spread to other regions, where authorities have worked to detect and remove nests before populations become established.
For Ireland, early detection is particularly important. A settled population could place additional pressure on honeybee colonies and other pollinators that support ecosystems and agricultural activity.
Ireland’s previous Asian hornet response
Ireland’s first confirmed Asian hornet sighting was recorded at a private home on Dublin’s northside in 2021. In August 2025, authorities confirmed and safely removed the country’s first active nest from a property in the Douglas area of Cork City.
That earlier response demonstrated the importance of public reporting and rapid intervention. The current Cork operation is being shaped by the same principle: identify a potential nest quickly and remove it before the species can spread.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said the response had been escalated following the second capture. He also thanked members of the public whose observations helped alert authorities.
What should you do if you see an Asian hornet?
Members of the public are being asked to remain alert, particularly in the Cork Harbour area, but not to approach or disturb a suspected hornet or nest.
- Keep a safe distance and do not attempt to remove the insect or nest.
- If possible, record the location, date and time of the sighting.
- Take a photograph only if it can be done safely.
- Report the suspected sighting promptly through invasives.ie.
Accurate information can help conservation teams determine whether a sighting is an Asian hornet and decide where surveillance should be concentrated.
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What happens next in Cork?
NPWS teams will continue monitoring the Ringaskiddy area and examining evidence from captured insects and bait stations. The immediate objective is to establish whether a nest exists and, if so, locate and remove it safely.
At this stage, the presence of a nest has not been confirmed. The second capture is significant because it suggests the possibility of nearby activity, but officials must complete surveillance and tracing work before drawing conclusions.
The investigation also highlights the role of public vigilance in Ireland’s invasive-species response. Sightings reported quickly can give authorities valuable time to act before an insect population expands.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Asian hornet search taking place?
The main operation is focused on Ringaskiddy and surrounding areas of Cork Harbour.
Why are Asian hornets dangerous to honeybees?
Asian hornets prey on many insects, including honeybees. This can place pressure on bee colonies and threaten important pollinators.
Has a nest been found?
No active nest has been confirmed in the current operation. NPWS is using surveillance, bait stations and transmitter technology to determine whether one is nearby.
How can a suspected sighting be reported?
Members of the public should report suspected Asian hornets through the official invasives.ie website and avoid approaching the insect or nest.
Conclusion
The Asian hornet search in Cork has moved into a critical phase, with specialist teams working to determine whether a nest is present near Ringaskiddy. The operation shows why early detection, scientific monitoring and public reporting remain central to protecting Ireland’s honeybees and native biodiversity.
For the latest Irish news and environmental updates, the clearest message is simple: do not disturb a suspected Asian hornet, but report it immediately through the official reporting channel.
