Upcoming Construction Projects

Mar 24

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Green light for €1.2bn data centre in Co Clare

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

A €1.2 billion data centre development in Clare can proceed following a number of legal challenges.

Developers Art Data Centres Ltd initially sought permission in 2021, with An Bord Pleanala approving in 2022.

However, the project met pushback from Dr Colin Doyle, Friends of the Irish Environment CLG, Futureproof Clare, Martin Knox and Christine Sharp, who took the matter to the High Court.

In March, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissed the final objection to the project, concerning a derogation license due to a bat colony in the area.

Work can now begin on the site near Ennis in Co Clare.

The development sees the demolition of an existing single-storey with pitched roof farm dwelling house and eight other farm outbuildings.

In its wake, Art Data Centres Ltd look to build six two-storey data centre buildings with three storeys of plant and office levels.

It will have a combined gross floor area of 118,740 square metres. The halls will reach a maximum height of 19 metres.

Each data centre will include data halls, associated electrical and mechanical plant rooms, loading bays, maintenance and storage spaces, office administration areas, pump rooms, water storage tanks, and plant.

Each building will have 11 backup diesel generators.

The project also sees the construction of a gas powered energy centre, comprising 18 lean-burn natural gas engines, two pump rooms and a fuel storage compound.

It includes two single-storey buildings for 20/10 kV switchgear control and a two=storey Vertical Farm building.

Developers have planned solar panels for each of the data centres as well as provisions for rainwater harvesting.

Credit: Art Data Centres

Jan 07

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Permission granted for 588 homes in Walkinstown

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

South Dublin County Council has granted permission to a €156 million development in Walkinstown.

The development will see the demolition of the former Chadwicks Builders Merchant site to make way for 588 new homes.

Developers Steeplefield Ltd look to build the apartments across four blocks, ranging from five to 12 storeys in height.

Of the apartments, 291 are one-beds, 238 are two-beds, and 59 are three-beds.

All apartments will have either a private balcony or terrace.

Walkinstown 588 New Homes Chadwicks Site

South Dublin County Council has granted permission to a €156 million development in Walkinstown. Credit: 3D Design Bureau

For the residents of the development, developers will also construct a 570.91 sqm childcare facility with a dedicated outdoor play area.

Construction will also be underway for six commercial or retail units and another commercial unit on the first floor across Blocks A, B and D.

An indoor communal residential amenity space will also be available.

On the outside, there are provisions for landscaped courtyards, play areas, seating and gardens.

Apartment Blocks A and B will also host communal roof gardens.

In terms of vehicular access, plans are in place to provide four entrances – including a primary ramp from Greenhills Road and three secondary entrances from the south.

The development includes 270 car parking spaces and 1,269 bicycle parking spaces.

Steeplefield Ltd originally submitted plans to deliver 633 units on the same Walkinstown site in 2022 as a Strategic Housing Development. However, An Bord Pleanála, now An Coimisiún Pleanála, shot down the application following objections from Brennan’s Bakery.

They resubmitted plans in May 2025 with a revised 588 apartments. South Dublin County Council gave the go-ahead in late December last year.

Feature Image Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Dec 05

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Planning to be sought for €220m offshore wind hub at Rosslare Europort

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed intentions to seek planning permission for Ireland’s largest offshore wind hub at Rosslare Europort in Co Wexford.

The €220 million plan will see a major transformation of the existing port into the country’s primary base of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

Iarnrod Éireann, the Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, stated that it will help achieve Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

The proposed Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub will have the potential to support the installation of approximately 0.5GW to 1GW of offshore wind capacity each year.

It’s set to span 80 hectares, with two new heavy lift berths designed for offshore renewable energy components.

Rosslare Europort: Credit Iarnród Éireann

The €220 million plan will see a major transformation of the existing port into the country’s primary base of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas. Credit: Iarnród Éireann

Developers also wish to widen and deepen the port’s approach channel as well as reclaim 27.7 hectares of land from the sea.

This includes the creation of almost 20 hectares of new port lands capable of handling the largest wind turbine components.

The project will also involve the construction of extensive areas for storage, marshalling and assembly.

A new 64-berth, small boat harbour is also underway with new access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements and facilities for local marine users.

It is believed that the project will create 2,000 long-term jobs for the region. These include port construction, offshore wind construction activity and long-term operation and maintenance phases of offshore wind development.

Iarnród Éireann are set to submit plans to An Coimisiún Pleanála next week with hopes of construction commencing in 2027. A delivery date of early 2029 has also been earmarked.

It is believed that the project will create 2,000 long-term jobs for the Rosslare region. Credit: Iarnród Éireann

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, heralded the plan as a “once in a generation investment in Ireland’s clean energy future”.

She said it would integrate “national transport and maritime infrastructure to unlock offshore wind potential and deliver sustainable growth for coastal communitie”.

“It will also be a significant boost for the South East, creating jobs in an emerging and vital industry, and becoming a crucial asset in Ireland’s energy transition journey.”

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, declared it a “significant milestone”

“Delivering this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities.”

The EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has also co-funded the project.

Feature Image Credit: Iarnród Éireann

Oct 22

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Approved €100m development set to deliver over 500 new Homes in Woodstown, Dublin

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

South Dublin City Council has granted permission for a €100-million housing development in Woodstown.

The project in Ballycullen is set to deliver over 500 new homes to the area.

Developers Lagan Homes seek to build 502 residential units in total – comprising 108 one-beds, 170 two-beds, 162 three-beds and 62 four-beds.

For these homes, 197 are two-storey houses in the forms of terraced, semi-detached and detached constructions.

The houses include 19 two-beds, 116 three-beds, 62 four-beds and 28 three-beds.

South Dublin City Council has granted permission for a €100-million housing development in Woodstown. Credit: JFOC Architects

The other 305 homes will span across 28 three to four-storey apartment blocks.

These blocks will provide 108 one-beds, 151 two-beds and 46 three-beds.

The development includes a creche, public open space, as well as car (surface and undercroft) and bicycle parking.

Vehicles will be able to access from the existing spur road connection on Stocking Avenue, west of the site. Drivers can also enter via Stocking Wood Drive to the east of the site.

Developers have planned pedestrian-only access along Abbot’s Grove Park and Stocking Wood Copse.

Developers Lagan Homes seek to build 502 residential units in total – comprising of 108 one-beds, 170 two-beds, 162 three-beds and 62 four-beds. Credit: JFOC Architects

Future connections are also set for Stocking Wood Manor, White Pines Park and the future school to the north of the site.

Lagan Homes initially sought permission for the site in Woodstown on April 24 this year.

The county council gave the stamp of approval in October.

Feature Image Credit: JFOC Architects

Oct 14

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MetroLink gets green light

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

The long-awaited €11 billion MetroLink project has finally received the green light, with Dublin set for its first underground rail system.

An Coimisiún Pleanála gave go-ahead l three years after plans were initially put forward.

It sees the construction of a fully-automated railway, 18.8km in length, that will traverse from Swords in north-county Dublin to Charlemount in the south.

Developers expect that passengers will be able to travel from Swords to Dublin city centre in approximately 25 minutes, with trains running every three minutes during peak periods.

Current figures estimate that it will carry up to 53 million passengers annually.

The long-awaited €11 billion MetroLink project has finally received the green light, with Dublin set for its first underground rail system. Credit: metrolink.ie

With a total of 16 stations, the €11 billion project will serve sixteen stations across Dublin – at Dublin Airport, Northwood, Ballymun, Collins Avenue, Griffith Park, Glasnevin, Mater, O’Connell Street, Tara, St. Stephen’s Green and Charlemont.

Another four retained cut stations will be at Seatown, Swords Central, Fosterstown and Dardistown. A grade station is also set for Estuary.

The railway is mostly underground, with a 9.4km single-bore tunnel running beneath the City Centre from Charlemont to Northwood Station.

Another 2.3km single-bore tunnel will run under Dublin Airport. North of the airport, the railway will emerge from the tunnel on its way to Estuary Station. This station will also provide a multi-storey 3000-space car park close to the M1.

Current projects see a maintenance depot located near Dardistown Station to house all facilities.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the decision by the planning authority.

“Today’s planning news is a hugely positive step for MetroLink, which is a key strategic project for the Government and Ireland,” he said.

“I’d like to thank TII and the NTA for developing the project to this stage. MetroLink will be transformative for the people of North Dublin and – by linking directly with Dublin airport, DART, heavy rail, Luas and bus services – the entire country.”

With a total of 16 stations, MetroLink will serve sixteen stations across Dublin – at Dublin Airport, Northwood, Ballymun, Collins Avenue, Griffith Park, Glasnevin, Mater, O’Connell Street, Tara, St. Stephen’s Green and Charlemont. Credit: metrolink.ie

The minister also said that the public transport route will enable the “construction of tens of thousands of new homes”.

Hugh Creegan, Interim Chief Executive and Director of Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority said the decision offers a “real transport alternative to tens of thousands of people daily.”

Applicants initially put forward plans for the MetroLink in 2022.

More than 300 parties put forward submissions about the project before public hearings in February 2023.

Credit: www.metrolink.ie

Sep 04

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Green light for €57m development at former Avid Technology site.

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Developers Atlas GP Ltd have received the green light for a €57 milliom residential development at the former Avid Technology site in south county Dublin.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council approved plans to construct 183 new apartments on the site in Sandyford.

Four blocks will house the apartments, ranging from four to 13 storeys, and include 25 studios, 29 one-bedroom units, 54 two-bedroom units, and 75 three-bedroom units.

All residential units will provide private balconies and terraces.

Developers have planned a creche for the fourth block.

In terms of other communal and public open space, residents will be able to enjoy a 1215 sq.m. plaza in the courtyard.

Plan also see the provision of a creche play area.

Around 64 car parking spaces are planned at basement level, as well as 428 bicycle spaces.

To make way for the new residence, developers sought a new vehicular entrance from Carmanhall Road.

A plan is in place for vehicular egress onto Blackthorn Road.

Atlas GP Ltd initially put forward plans in July of this year.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council granted permission on August 27, subject to one condition.

Previously, the former Avid Technology site had plans for 428 high-rise build-to-rent apartments in 2021.

However, An Bord Pleanála ultimately refused permission, citing a substandard quality of communal open space.

The board also said the height and density of the development exceeded provisions from the council.

Feature Image Credit: McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects Ltd

May 15

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Huntstown Power Station Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Green light for €87m data centre development at Huntstown Power Station

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála have granted permission to a new €87 million data centre development at Huntstown Power Station, following an appeals process.

The project, proposed by the Energia Group subsidiary, sees the construction of two data buildings on the land in Finglas, Co Dublin.

The data centres will be in collaboration with Microsoft.

The buildings will comprise data hall rooms, mechanical and electrical galleries and other offices, including meeting rooms and workshop spaces.

The building will also feature staff areas such as break rooms, toilets, shower/changing facilities, storage areas, lobbies, outdoor staff areas, loading bays and docks.

The buildings will rise up to three storeys with a gross floor area of C.37,647sqm.

The overall height will not exceed 112m above sea level.

An external plant with 58 emergency generators will be in a generator yard.

An Bord Pleanála have granted permission to a new €87 million data centre development at Huntstown Power Station. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

To make way for the data centres, the plan sees the demolition of two residential dwellings on the site.

Developers have included provisions for a temporary substation, a water treatment building, seven water storage tanks and two sprinkler tanks.

Existing overhead electricity lines will move underground.

Developers will install security fencing up to 2.4m high and new vehicular entrance from the North Road.

More access will be at the southwest of the site from an existing private road.

Plans are in place for 48 bicycle spaces and 208 parking spaces, including 10 accessible spaces.

A further 20 EV charging spaces and eight motorcycle spaces are envisioned.

An Bord Pleanála’s Decision

Huntstown Power Company initially put forward plans on August 24 2021.

Permission was initially granted by Fingal County Council in 2022.

However, both heritage body An Taisce and Louth Environment Group had appealed the decision.

In its decision to grant permission, ABP outline that the Government Statement on the Role of Data (July 2022) identified data centres as “core infrastructure”.

They continued that the centres enable the twin transitions of “digitalisation and decarbonisation”.

They pointed to the grid the connection agreement with EirGrid, the Corporate Purchase Power Agreement and the ability to manage electricity demand would meet energy requirements.

The site is also located in the Heavy Industry in the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029, which “facilitates opportunities for industrial uses, activities and processes which may give rise to land use conflicts if located within other zonings”.

However, the Board found its location outside the M50 meant that it is not located on lands more suitable for employment. These would typically be closer to public transport infrastructure.

An Bord Pleanála granted approval subject to 23 conditions.

Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Oct 08

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Work begins on €123m mixed development in new Dublin town of Clonburris

By Danny O Shea | Upcoming Construction Projects

Construction has begun on the €123m mixed development for the new town of Clonburris in south county Dublin.

On 25 September 2024, work began on the construction of an eight-storey residential and retail unit.

Comprising of two residential blocks, the building will provide 115 apartments, a car park and a retail unit on the ground floor. The apartments will take up the remaining seven floors.

Also on the ground floor is a dedicated loading bay for use by the retail unit.

Construction has begun on the €123m mixed development for the new town of Clonburris in south county Dublin. Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Cairn Homes Properties Limited received permission to construct 495 new homes on the Kishoge Urban Centre site.

As part of plans, developers will remove existing hardstanding and construct 11 apartment blocks in total.

There will be 449 apartments in total with 216 one-beds, 46 two-beds (for three persons), 187 two-beds (for four persons).

A further 46 duplexes (22 two-beds for four persons and 24 three-beds) are to be built.

These apartments will be arranged across Blocks A-F.

Around 2,502 sq.m has been allocated for retail place, which includes one large two-storey retail unit and two independent retail units on the ground floor of Block B.

A further 4,607 is allocated for employment floorspace across a six-storey building and two independent employment units also on the ground floor of Block B.

Clonburris - There will be 449 apartments in total with 216 one-beds, 46 two-beds (for three persons), 187 two-beds (for four persons) and a further 46 duplexes. Credit: 3D Design Bureau

There will be 449 apartments in total with 216 one-beds, 46 two-beds (for three persons), 187 two-beds (for four persons) and a further 46 duplexes. Credit: 3D Design Bureau

A bike hub and a café will also be found in the employment building

A creche will be built on the ground floor of Block E.

Clonburris Southern Link Street will provide vehicular access to the site.

The development, situated between Lucan, Clondalkin and Liffey Valley, will also feature an urban plaza as part of a public open space as well as play areas and cycle lanes.

Basement car parking will be found at Blocks B to C while Blocks A, D and the retail box will have undercroft parking.

Around 403 parking spaces will also be built at surface-level, including car sharing, accessible spaces, motorcycle parking and electric vehicle charging points.

This mixed-development is another phase of Cairn Homes’ plan to create a new thriving community along the canal in Clonburris.

Currently, the developers have plans to build 5,000 new homes in the area.

The Clonburris Strategic Development Zone Planning Scheme seeks to create a “new Dublin neighbourhood with the perfect balance of urban living and open nature”.

Feature Image Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Sep 23

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Permission granted for €52m housing development on former Cork GAA lands

By Danny O Shea | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála gave the go-ahead to plans for the construction of 319 new homes on former Cork GAA lands.

This €52m Strategic Housing Development (SHD), submitted by submitted by the Cork County GAA Board, will consist of 203 houses and 116 apartments.

These include 85 semi-detached houses(17 four-beds and 68 three-beds) and 118 terraced houses (eight four-beds, 60 three-beds and 50 two-beds).

Of the apartments, there will be 53 duplexes (26 one-beds, 25 two-beds and two three-beds) and 63 apartments (15 one-beds and 48 two-beds).

The apartments will be built across three part four-storey and part five-storey blocks.

A creche and a riverside amenity park are included in current plans.

An Bord Pleanála gave the go-ahead to plans for the construction of 319 new homes on former Cork GAA lands. Credit: G-Net 3D

The proposed total gross floor area is 33,738.70sqm.

Before construction is underway, a disused hurley manufacturing factory is to be demolished on the site.

The southern and eastern boundary treatments will also be removed and replaced. Formal walking sites will replaces informal walking paths on the north of the site.

A new through road will be laid out across the site, from the Old Whitechurch Road to Delaney’s GAA Grounds.

There will be site access from both the Old Whitechurch Road and the Upper Dublin Hill Road.

Plans include the provision of private, communal and public open spaces as well as motorcycle and car parking.

An Bord Pleanála granted permission subject to 30 conditions.

The land was first bought by Cork County Board in the 1960s to develop playing fields and a hurley factory.

Speaking after Cork County GAA submitted plans to build homes, Marc Sheehan, chairman of Cork County GAA Board said: “There is no further requirement for playing fields in this area and the land has been zoned in recent times for mainly residential.”

He continued: “The shortage of housing in Cork and across the country is well documented and this development could provide homes for hundreds of families in a great location.”

Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA, added that the project is a “key element” of the financial security of Cork GAA.

“We are hopeful that the process will be successful, and would like to thank Cork City Council for their constructive engagement on what is the best use for the site to meet the ongoing need for housing in Cork.”

Feature Image Credit: G-Net 3D

Sep 04

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Green light for €112m Coastal Quarter housing development on old Bray Golf Club

By Danny O Shea | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has granted permission for the second phase of the Coastal Quarter Strategic Housing Development (SHD) in Bray, Co Wicklow.

The planning body gave developers Shankill Property Investments Limited the go-ahead on the condition that floors 7, 8 and 9 in Block B were removed.

The €112 million development will offer over 586 new homes on the old Bray Golf Club lands.

Coastal Quarter Credit: Glenn Howells Architects

An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has granted permission for the second phase of the Coastal Quarter Strategic Housing Development (SHD) in Bray, Co Wicklow. Credit: Glenn Howells Architects

Around 76 terraced houses are set to be constructed: 13 two-bed, two-storey houses, 51 three-bed, two-storey houses and 12 four-bed, three-storey houses.

Another 51 apartments will be in duplex units, comprising of 26 two-bedroom ground-floor apartments and 26 three-bedroom apartments across 26 three-storey terraced buildings.

All duplexes will be provided with balconies and gardens.

Another 458 apartments were planned to span across four apartment blocks, ranging in height from three to 12 storeys.

In total, 239 one-beds, 198 two-beds and 21 three-beds were in plans applied to An Bord Pleanala.

The €112 million development will offer over 586 new homes on the old Bray Golf Club lands. Credit: Glenn Howells Architects

Each will be offered either a balcony or a terrace.

A retail unit, a café and a commercial space housing a gym and a juice bar are included in plans for residents. These amenities will be found in Block B.

A creche will also be built.

Communal areas such as open spaces, playgrounds and a multi-use games area are planned.

Developers will build 549 car parking spaces – 478 spaces for residents, 36 spaces for residential visitors, 14 spaces for retail use and 21 spaces for staff, creche set down and car sharing.

326 of these spaces will be at undercroft level with the remaining 223 spaces to be at the surface, on the street or curtilage.

A total of 23 spaces will be accessible parking spaces and 66 will be EV charging spaces.

A retail unit, a café and a commercial space housing a gym and a juice bar are included in plans for residents. These amenities will be found in Block B. Credit: Glenn Howells Architects

Another 24 spaces will be reserved for motorcycles and there will be 1,076 bicycle parking spaces (791 residential and 254 visitors).

Bike stores will also be erected for the house and duplex units.

This project is the second phase of Shankill Property Investments Limited’s Coastal Quarter SHD, with the first phase commencing construction last year.

Feature Image Credit: Glenn Howells Architects

An Bord Pleanála’s Decision

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