Vantage Data Centers: Vantage appeals application rejection in Dublin, Ireland

Vantage Data Centers is appealing to An Bord Pleanála over the decision to refuse its data center application in Dublin, Ireland. The application for a two-story, 12,893 sqm development in the West Dublin area of Clondalkin was rejected on both power capacity and environmental grounds, with the council citing "existing insufficient capacity" on the grid and the "reliance on a predominantly gas-powered plant." 

One of the main issues was the applicant's environmental impact assessment report, which reportedly did not include an "adequate assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed development on the receiving environment." The application also applied for 13 emergency backup generators, and shared details of photovoltaic panels at the roof level.

In its response, the council also cited the "lack of a fixed connection agreement to connect to the grid, the lack of significant onsite renewable energy to power the proposed development, the lack of evidence provided in relation to the applicant's engagement with Power Purchase Agreements in Ireland".

This planning appeal comes despite EirGrid previously stating it will not provide agreements for new data centers in Dublin for the "foreseeable future," and potentially not until 2028.

Following the rejection in May, the appeal was launched at the end of last month. A decision is due by October 2023.