Kildare politicians are the bee's knees as they make a beeline to protect species

If it takes a hive of bees to make a pot of honey it took a majority of politicians to ensure the survival of an important bee species in County Kildare.

Aras Chill Dara was hardly buzzing for the last meeting of KCC members of the year but the place was a hive of activity as they moved to protect the Irish honey bee.

All other species can buzz off apparently - because this bee is already extinct in parts of Europe but not here (at least not for the time beeing).

Little wonder then that the councillors made a bee line for a motion tabled by a number of colleagues .

Some of the councillors did drone on a bit but there  was overwhelming support for an idea that county Kildare become a conservation area for the honey bee.

This matter was the subject of a presentation by the Native Irish Honey Bee Society at the recent meeting of the Climate Action SPC.

County Kildare has already signed up to a strategy to support beekeepers and this will in turn lead to healthy and sustainable bee populations.

A similar motion was adopted by Louth County Council in March .

According to KCC official Joe Boland this means KCC is  highlighting a “important biodiversity issue.” 

Honey-tongued Green Party councillor Peter Hamilton said the bee (apis mellifera mellifera) is unusual and valuable and is the most productive and most sustainable for the Irish climate.

He said the support amounts to a strong statement of intent on behalf of the honey bee.

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