Shannon Airport Group's eco initiative makes final cut

THE SHANNON Airport Group has been shortlisted in the ‘Environment & Biodiversity’ category of the national Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards.

This recognises the aviation groups leadership in sustainability and work in biodiversity and conservation.

The Group’s Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thady’s Hill is among the finalists in this category.

This initiative, launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, is one of a number of projects the Group has brought forward under its five-year Biodiversity Action Plan, and is Ireland’s first conservation grazing project on airport-owned land.

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Located on a 10-acre site near Shannon Airport, Thady’s Hill is home to endangered habitats that support a wide variety of native grass and flower species, including bee and pyramidal orchids.

In early 2024, the site underwent scrub clearance, followed by the introduction of Droimeann cattle - a native rare breed ideal for low-impact conservation grazing.

The project is led by the Group’s Biodiversity Team and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan, botanist Phoebe O’Brien, and Meg Brennan of Polliknow, who use advanced AI powered ground sensors that monitor wild insect pollinators - a key indicator of ecosystem health.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 24, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.

Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group, commented: “We are honoured to be shortlisted in the Environment & Biodiversity category of the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and partners, and the strength of our sustainability strategy.”

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, held in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development recognise purpose-driven business practices.