Boost for beginner beekeepers

Help is at hand for Ireland's beleaguered bee population. Bee numbers have plunged over the past number of years due to parasites, weather and the destruction of the countryside. But four novice beekeepers are part of an effort to introduce 200,000 Honey Bees back into Ireland.

At the launch of a week of beekeeping classes in Gormanstown, the Green Party's Minister for Horticulture Ciarán Cuffe presented four novice beekeepers with beekeeping equipment and hives – donated by innocent drinks.

Bees are in decline in Ireland and across the world due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder, which has caused major decreases in bee numbers over the last four years. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers and plants, so their demise poses a major threat to food crops and natural habitats.

Minister Cuffe said: "The global population of Honey Bees is in decline. We all need to do everything we can to stabilise and boost bee numbers. I commend this initiative to boost the Honey Bee population in Ireland. Healthy bee populations are an important part of our food and natural ecosystems."

The Green Minister also confirmed that the Government is providing €300,000 to be spent on a number of bee related research initiatives over the next three years.

Philip McCabe, from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers, which organised the beekeeping classes, added: "We are delighted to partner with innocent on this project to introduce 200,000 bees back into Ireland. Our native black Honey Bee is in serious decline due to parasites, weather and the destruction of our countryside. We beekeepers are determined to protect one of the greatest pollinators, which is so necessary for the survival of us all. I call on the people of Ireland to plant seeds suitable for our honeybees to survive and thrive."

Ali Gibbons, innocent drinks, said: "When the Federation of Irish Beekeepers brought the plight of our Honey Bees to our attention, innocent was determined to help save the Irish Honey Bee. Over the past few months, we have given away a pack of wild flower seeds free with every limited edition ‘Lemons, Honey and Ginger’ smoothie. Once planted these seeds help create yet another perfect habitat for all bees to thrive."