Amazon Secures Planning Permission for Dublin Data Centres
Struggling with Ireland’s data centre boom? Amazon just won approval for three massive facilities in north Dublin, reshaping tech infrastructure.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) obtained planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála for three new data centres on a 65-acre site at Cruiserath Road in north Dublin. The decision follows an initial nod from Fingal County Council, appealed by opponents, with the national authority delivering the final green light this week. This An Bord Pleanála decision clears the path for Data Centre E, F, and G, boosting AWS’s regional presence.
The development spans structures with gross floor areas of 1,425 sqm for Building E, and 20,580 sqm each for Buildings F and G, all across two levels. Filed by Universal Developers LLC on behalf of AWS in January, the seven-year permission targets completion with F and G online by 2025 and 2026. The site already holds a 2019 EirGrid connection, dodging recent grid constraints plaguing other projects.
Power demands hit 73MW combined for these buildings, with future plans hinting at a fourth structure of similar size, pushing total campus capacity to 220MW. Backup relies on HVO-fuelled generators offering nearly 9MW, plus rooftop solar panels for sustainability. AWS runs additional Dublin sites in Clonshaugh, Blanchardstown, and Tallaght, though some face delays from power moratoriums.
Environmental concerns prompted the appeal, yet AWS consultants argued the project includes strong mitigation measures against climate effects. No significant climate impact was claimed, supported by detailed submissions to An Coimisiún Pleanála. This approval arrives amid shifting Irish views on data centres, with high energy use drawing scrutiny.
Key project details include:
- Location: Cruiserath Road, north Dublin, 65-acre AWS campus.
- Buildings: E (1,425 sqm), F (20,580 sqm), G (20,580 sqm).
- Power: 73MW initial, up to 220MW at full build-out.
- Grid: Pre-secured EirGrid link from 2019.
- Sustainability: HVO generators, solar panels.
- Timeline: Construction starts soon, operations 2025-2026.
The go-ahead strengthens Ireland’s role as a European data hub, where AWS joins rivals expanding amid debates over energy and land use. Local councils granted initial support, but national oversight ensured rigorous review on flood-risk development and environmental factors. Stakeholders eye how this influences future housing scheme approval balances with tech growth.
For developers eyeing Irish projects, this highlights navigating appeals and grid realities. AWS’s success underscores pre-existing connections as a key edge in material contravention avoidance and environmental impact management.
Originally reported in The Journal on Tue, 30 Dec 2025 04:43:36 +0000. Full story
