EdgeConneX Ireland Secures Approval for New Data Centres in West Dublin
A leading provider of data centres in Ireland has successfully challenged a previous decision by South Dublin County Council to deny planning permission for two new facilities at its campus in west Dublin. The outcome of the appeal, handled by An Coimisiún Pleanála, marks a significant development in the company’s efforts to expand its operations.
The appeal was filed against the council’s ruling in July 2023, which had rejected EdgeConneX Ireland’s application to build two adjacent single-storey data centres covering over 15,000 square metres on a site in Ballymakaily, Lucan, Co Dublin. The proposal also included 24 standby diesel generators with 25-metre-high flues, a new internal access road, and security gates. However, the Commission imposed a key condition: the standby generators must be powered by renewable fuel sources.
South Dublin County Council had initially refused the planning permission, citing concerns that the proposed use did not align with the land’s zoning for enterprise and employment. The council pointed to the lack of a fixed connection agreement with the grid and insufficient on-site renewable energy as major issues. Additionally, it raised concerns about the existing national grid capacity and the company’s reliance on gas-powered plants. The council also expressed reservations about the protection of green infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the appeal was successful. The Commission found that EdgeConneX Ireland had met the necessary conditions for approval, including securing a fixed connection agreement with EirGrid. The company argued that the council’s approach to the development plan was too rigid and that its concerns were unfounded. It emphasized that EirGrid, as the authority responsible for the national grid, had determined that the campus could connect to the grid.
EdgeConneX Ireland also highlighted its commitment to sustainability, stating that it had designed its power plant to accommodate future renewable energy sources such as biogas and hydrogen. The company claimed that using natural gas as a primary fuel source contributed to decarbonizing the national grid, a point supported by the Government’s Climate Action Plan.
In addition to addressing environmental concerns, the company provided evidence of its engagement with power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Ireland. It argued that having an on-site generation plant should not be a reason for rejecting the project. The company also noted that its power plant would help reinforce the national grid once the EirGrid connection is established.
Regarding biodiversity, EdgeConneX Ireland acknowledged that some hedgerows would be removed but emphasized that more would be retained and new ones added, resulting in a net gain for biodiversity. The Commission accepted this and ruled that the development would not seriously affect residential or visual amenities in the area.
The planning appeals authority also confirmed that the company had implemented strong energy efficiency measures and demonstrated sufficient capacity in the water, wastewater, and electricity networks. It noted that data centres are considered core infrastructure and are vital for Ireland’s technology-driven economy.
One of the key conditions imposed by the Commission is that EdgeConneX Ireland must enter into a corporate PPA with a renewable energy provider before the data centres become operational. Additionally, the company is required to provide a draft agreement for connecting to a future district heating network if one becomes available.
This decision underscores the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. As Ireland continues to position itself as a hub for data centre development, companies like EdgeConneX Ireland play a crucial role in shaping the country’s digital and sustainable future.