Analyses of Asian hornet nests

In line with the findings of these reports, NIEA staff and their wider DAERA, CAFRE and AFBI colleagues will be monitoring for the possibility of emerging queens over the coming months. AFBI publish their Vespa velutina nest dissection report from Dundonald in October 2025. Fera Science Ltd (formerly the Food and Environment Research Agency) have […]

Scientists urge greater vigilance as first record of Quagga mussel is confirmed in Northern Ireland.

NIEA publish an updated Species Alert for the invasive Quagga Mussel. The first confirmed case of the highly invasive quagga mussel in Northern Ireland has been reported in Lower Lough Erne. This was confirmed on 10 December following DNA analysis at Queen’s University Belfast. The quagga mussel is a small bivalve mollusc similar to the […]

The Second Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum

Following the success of the inaugural Forum in 2024, the second Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum was held in Belfast on the 4th November 2025. This year’s event once again brought together representatives from across sectors; industry, public bodies, and non-governmental organisations, to strengthen collaboration on invasive species and biosecurity across the island […]

Forum to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration on invasive species on the island of Ireland

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir addresses the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum 4th November 2025

Successful removal of first Asian Hornet nest in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has successfully completed the safe and controlled removal of an Asian Hornet nest in Dundonald today (18 October), close to the location of the first reported sighting on 10 October. The Asian hornet nest found in Dundonald that was successfully removed. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has successfully […]

NPWS confirms the discovery and capture of an Asian hornet in Cork, Ireland

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed a recent sighting and subsequent capture of an Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) in the Cork area. This is the second confirmed record of Asian hornet in Ireland, with the first specimen recorded in May 2021. NPWS will […]

Update to the List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern

Following a review of the available evidence and risk assessments carried out, an updated Species of Union Concern list was released on 17th July 2025 to include a further 26 species, 8 plants and 18 animals.. This brings the total number of regulated species to 114. The official update to the list can be viewed […]

The Great Britain Non–Native Species Secretariat Newsletter – January 2025

Some interesting updates from GB and a “Save the Date!” for Invasive Species Week 2025, which will take place from 12th-18th May this year. Click here to download a PDF of the January 2025 issue of the GBNNSS Non-Native Species Newsletter A HTML version of the Newsletter is available on the GBNNSS website

British-Irish Council Newsletter – December 2024

On 11/12 November 2024, officials from across the BIC’s Member Administrations responsible for dealing with Invasive Species attended the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum 2024 where Ireland’s National Biodiversity Data Centre and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency launched a consultation on their Invasive Species Theme Plan. Read more in December Newsletter

The Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum

The National Biodiversity Data Centre hosted the inaugural Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum in Dublin on 12th November 2024. The Forum was attended by invited representatives from a wide range of sectors, including industry, public bodies, and non-governmental organisations. This one-day event featured presentations, workshops, and feedback sessions, and facilitated debate and the […]