Already home to at least 30 global data centres belonging to tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Vodafone, Interxion and Equinix, to name a few; the IDA is on the hunt for suitable locations for the next batch of large-scale data centres that come Ireland’s way.
IDA Ireland has appointed Jacobs Engineering Ireland to identify further strategic sites for the construction of large-scale data centres in various parts of the country.
Jacobs’ winning bid of €53,775 saw it fend off competition from nine other firms for the contract.
The company is tasked with assessing locations in the South East, South West, Midwest, Midlands, West and North West.
The IDA hopes to build on the country’s free air cooling climate which dramatically reduces the cost of hosting data, connectivity and business environment as reasons why Ireland has become such a magnet for data centres.
The creation of more regional data centres would also alleviate pressure on the electricity grid in Dublin.
The path to identifying the IDA sites is to be carried out in three phases. This is made up of a national review; refinement of options and detailed comparative analysis and recommendation
The criteria for selection is to include proximity to high voltage electricity network and HV substations; proximity to dark fibre networks and proximity to national motorway network, and associated key access routes.
