Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Shannon Airport Group Shortlisted for Sustainability Award in Biodiversity Category The Shannon Airport Group has been shortlisted in the Environment & Biodiversity category at the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2025, a recognition of its leadership in sustainability and innovative biodiversity conservation efforts. Thady’s Hill Biodiversity Project Recognised Nationally The project that earned the […]
The Shannon Airport Group has been shortlisted in the Environment & Biodiversity category at the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2025, a recognition of its leadership in sustainability and innovative biodiversity conservation efforts.
The project that earned the Group a finalist spot is its Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thady’s Hill, a 10-acre site near Shannon Airport. Launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, it is the first conservation grazing project ever carried out on airport-owned land in Ireland.
Under the Group’s five-year Biodiversity Action Plan (2023–2027), Thady’s Hill was cleared of overgrown scrubland in early 2024 and is now maintained by Droimeann cattle, a rare native breed well-suited for low-impact conservation grazing. The site is home to endangered habitats and diverse native species, including Bee and Pyramidal Orchids.
Advanced AI-powered ground sensors, developed by Polliknow, are being used to monitor wild insect pollinators, which are key indicators of ecosystem health. The project is led by the Group’s internal biodiversity team and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan, botanist Phoebe O’Brien, and biodiversity consultant Meg Brennan.
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in the health and resilience of ecosystems. Diverse plant and insect populations improve soil quality, promote pollination, and increase resistance to disease and climate shocks. Projects like Thady’s Hill not only protect rare species but also strengthen natural systems that help buffer communities from the effects of climate change, such as flooding, heatwaves, and declining pollinator populations.
The integration of AI-powered pollinator monitoring sensors sets the Thady’s Hill project apart from conventional conservation efforts. These ground-based smart sensors allow researchers and land managers to collect real-time data on insect activity, particularly critical pollinators like bees and butterflies. Monitoring these indicators offers valuable insight into ecosystem health and climate-related shifts, enabling more responsive and data-driven conservation strategies.
Speaking about the shortlisting, Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group, said:
“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.
We’re proud of the Thady’s Hill project, which showcases our innovative approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, and we look forward to building on its success as part of our 2023–2027 Biodiversity Action Plan.”
The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland, are held in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by BAM Ireland. The awards celebrate best practices in corporate social responsibility and are closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thady’s Hill contributes to Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2027, which aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems. The use of native species, public-private collaboration, and long-term monitoring aligns with national policy goals and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. As Ireland works to reverse decades of environmental degradation, innovative local projects like this one play an essential role.
The Shannon Airport Group’s shortlisting in the Environment & Biodiversity category of the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards is more than a recognition of one successful initiative. It’s a testament to what’s possible when sustainability is treated not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a core principle of organisational strategy.
The Thady’s Hill project demonstrates how even operational land associated with heavy infrastructure, such as airports, can be reimagined to serve environmental goals. By combining traditional conservation methods (like native cattle grazing) with cutting-edge technology such as AI-powered pollinator sensors, the Group is not only protecting biodiversity but actively contributing to long-term ecosystem health and resilience.
This initiative also reflects the growing understanding that environmental responsibility must be collaborative. The success of Thady’s Hill is rooted in partnership, between the airport, local farmers, scientists, and sustainability experts, and it highlights the power of cross-sector cooperation in tackling complex ecological challenges.
At All-Ireland Sustainability, we’re committed to building a greener, fairer island, together. Stay informed on the latest environmental initiatives, community action, and policy developments shaping sustainability across Ireland, North and South.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to hear about upcoming events, expert insights, and ways to get involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your journey, new members are always welcome.
Subscribe now and be part of the All-Ireland Sustainability network.