Two Dublin Bus depots are now home to some 250,000 bees thanks to the conservation efforts of workers. 

The Phibsborough Dublin Bus depot on the city’s northside set up its first bee hive in 2019 and has since added two more. 

A further two have been installed at a nearby bus depot as well. 

Speaking to Emma Tyrrell for The Pat Kenny Show, Dublin Bus mechanic Paul Granger explained why he got involved in the Dublin Buzz initiative. 

“There was waste ground back here at the depot, untouched and at that time I started keeping my own bees at home in County Offaly,” he said. 

“And I just thought, ‘This is an ideal opportunity with biodiversity up and coming with different companies to put this idea forward.’” 

In total, there are now thought to be some 250,000 native Irish honey bees between the two sights. 

Phibsborough Depot Administrator Damien McDonnell said staff are “loving” hearing the bees’ gentle buzz around the depots. 

“When you have the hives open and they’re just kind of flying around, it’s quite calming to hear,” he said. 

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Bus driver Irwin Bannon helps with the hives’ weekly inspections - but admits it is not a risk free venture. 

“Yeah I do get stung but it’s the nature of the beast,” he said. 

“Maybe 150 times throughout the year but bees don’t have any interest in stinging anybody. 

“They’re just happy to go about their own business but if you aggravate them by waving your hands, all of a sudden, you’re in trouble.” 

Bees fly in the morning. Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

Although the bee hives are located in Phibsborough, they travel all over the north inner city on the hunt for food. 

“Our bees here would be O’Connell Street, all the local hanging baskets, flowers outside pubs, Phoenix Park, Botanic Gardens,” Mr Bannon said. 

“Anywhere within that particular brief i.e. three or four kilometres, where they can find a sustainable amount of forage i.e. pollen and nectar. 

“They will go gung ho for that and deplete it.” 

As pollinators, bees are essential for the survival of many plant species upon which life on earth depends.

Main image: A split of a beekeeper and some honey. Picture by: Emma Tyrrell.