Microsoft plan regional network gateway facility

MICROSOFT Ireland is seeking planning permission for the development of a regional network gateway facility at Profile Park in Clondalkin.

The facility is to provide supporting infrastructure for Microsoft data centres, and the proposal includes the demolition of an existing temporary single-storey showroom.

The plans include the construction of a single storey main building with air-handling units, and external plant/equipment yards including three diesel generators.

A sprinkler tank and pump house, electrical plant rooms, PV panels, and the replacement of existing estate road access with new main access and secondary/emergency access are included.

An MV substation with separate estate road access, a stormwater attenuation pond, a bike parking shelter and bin store and 12 car parking spaces form part of the proposal.

Permission is also being sought for a new internal road and footpath layout, perimeter fencing and security gates, and landscaped and planted areas including riparian zones.

A decision on the application is due from South Dublin County Council by August 25.

Microsoft has had a strong foothold in the county since 2007, when the council agreed to a disposal of 18.9 acres at Grange Castle Business Park to Microsoft.

Since then, a further 119.23 acres or thereabouts has been disposed of or sold to Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, and the company officially opened their Grange Castle operations in September 2009.