SD21A/0217
10 year permission for development consisting of removal of an existing unused waste water treatment facility on site and the erection of two data centre buildings, gas powered energy generation compound, and all other associated ancillary buildings and works; the two data centre buildings, DUB 15 and DUB 16, will comprise a total floor area of c. 33,577sq.m over two storeys; the first 2 storey data centre building (DUB15), located to the southwest of the site, will comprise 16,865sq.m data storage use, ancillary office use and associated electrical and mechanical plant rooms, loading bays, maintenance and storage space; a second 2 storey data centre building (DUB16), located to the southeast of the site, will comprise 16,712sq.m data storage areas, ancillary office use and associated electrical and mechanical plant rooms, loading bays, maintenance and storage space; both data centre buildings will reach a height of 20m; emergency generators and associated emission flues and plant are proposed in compounds adjacent to each data centre building; gas powered energy generation is proposed to the north east corner of the site to provide electricity for the proposed development; the application proposes to re-route and widen an existing watercourse constructed following an earlier planning permission; it is proposed to reroute this watercourse along the eastern and southern boundary of the site; landscaping is proposed to the south of the site to screen the buildings; fencing and security gates are proposed around the site; new access roads within the site are proposed along with 71 car parking spaces and 26 cycle spaces, bin stores, site lighting, and all associated works including underground foul and storm water drainage attenuation and utility cables and all other ancillary works; a Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.
Core Planning Reasoning
The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed development is an acceptable use on 'EE' zoned lands due to existing insufficient capacity in the national electricity grid, the lack of a fixed grid connection agreement, and a failure to provide for significant on-site renewable energy generation, contrary to Objective EDE7 of the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal constitutes an extra-large energy user (LEU) that lacks a secured connection to the national grid and fails to provide significant on-site renewable energy generation to offset its substantial power demand.
- The development is considered premature pending a stable connection to the national grid and fails to meet the 'Agreed Principles' for data centres established in the Government Statement (July 2022) and local policy.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of engagement with EirGrid or valid Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), meaning the project is contrary to national, regional, and local policies on energy and climate resilience.