Fears as 3rd Asian hornet nest is found

Cork area monitored as public urged to set up traps

- BY JOE O'SHEA

A THIRD Asian hornet nest has been discovered in the south of the country, it is believed.

The first two sites are in the townland of Bartelmy between Rathcormac and Watergrasshill to the north of Cork city and on wooded land close by the South Ring Road in the Douglas area of Cork city.

Now, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is examining a third site in a coastal area outside of the city.

There have already been videos shot of Asian hornets being trapped in Cork and a special task force has been established after the first reported sighting last week.

The hope now is that the isolated nests can be found and destroyed before the dangerous predator – which can decimate native honey bee populations - can establish itself in Ireland.