"The Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations is appealing for donations to help save the countrys bee population. Last years mild winter hampered Irelands honey production because bees could not mate at the right time. The group said the mild winter of 201-15 meant bees were out foraging for pollen on Christmas day. Mild temperature led to bees staying in hives for longer than usual. This creates a breeding ground for varroa, a mite that transmits viruses among the honeybee population. ...."
Read more here: The Irish Times