Google has received planning approval for an expansion of its data center at Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin, overturning a decision by South Dublin County Council to reject the project. However, the approval is subject to meeting certain sustainability criteria.
The council rejected the application in August 2024, citing “existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network grid and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data center”. But now, An Coimisiún Pleanála, Ireland’s national, independent and statutory body, approved the proposed 72,400 square meter facility on a 50 acre site. But, Google must provide evidence of power purchase agreements before development begins and use renewable fuel for backup generators.
A Google spokesperson said to the Irish Times, “Data centers are an essential part of Ireland’s ambitious digital economy and we want to support that. That’s why we are grateful that An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved Google Ireland’s appeal, we look forward to the next steps as we continue to invest in our infrastructure in the country to meet the growing demand for our services.”
Google appealed the decision, arguing that it had secured a grid connection from EirGrid in 2021 and that the council was not responsible for determining whether the electricity network had enough capacity for the project.
Data center development has become a contentious issue in Ireland because of its impact on electricity demand and the environment. Data centers accounted for almost a quarter of electricity consumed in Ireland last year, up from 5 percent in 2015.
The approval does not guarantee that construction will begin and the decision could be challenged through a judicial review in the coming weeks.