Servecentric files appeal after data center planning denial

Irish managed service provider Servecentric has lodged an appeal to the Fingal County Council after its application to develop a new data center in Dublin was denied. This comes after the service provider’s proposal to develop a data center on land in the Blanchardstown Corporate Park in Ballycoolin was denied by the council in November 2023.

Servecentric aimed to develop a two-story data center and substation on an undeveloped 1.9-acre site currently permitted for a warehouse/logistics unit. Following the service provider’s proposal, the gross floor area of the previously permitted building will increase by c. 2,931 sqm to c. 6,524 sqm (70,225 sq ft) primarily due to the inclusion of the first-floor level mezzanine.

Local authority reportedly refused planning permission as it was not satisfied the proposed development is in accordance with the Government Policy Statement on the "Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy 2022."

Linda Colleran, a senior planner with the applicant's consultant firm, Tom Phillips & Associates, told the council, “The overall data center development has been realized by highly renowned architects, designers, and engineers, thereby ensuring that the most sustainable approach to design, the environment, and community engagement is fully achieved.”