The Shannon Airport Group has been shortlisted in the Environment and Biodiversity category of the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards for its work in sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

The Group’s Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thady’s Hill is Ireland’s first conservation grazing project on airport-owned land and is among the finalists. Launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, the initiative forms part of Shannon Airport Group’s five-year Biodiversity Action Plan.

Thady’s Hill, a 10-acre site near the airport, is home to endangered habitats supporting a wide range of native grasses and flowers, including bee and pyramidal orchids. In early 2024, scrub clearance was completed, followed by the introduction of Droimeann cattle, a rare native breed ideal for low-impact grazing.

The project is led by the Group’s Biodiversity Team with support from local farmer John Quinlivan, botanist Phoebe O’Brien, and Meg Brennan of Polliknow. The team uses AI-powered ground sensors to monitor wild insect pollinators, a key indicator of ecosystem health.

Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at Shannon Airport Group, said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted. The Thady’s Hill project demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration and innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation. We look forward to building on its success as part of our 2023 to 2027 Biodiversity Action Plan.”

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, sponsored by BAM Ireland and held in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, recognise best practices in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin.