US-based infrastructure investment firm AVAIO Digital chose the former Asahi site in Killala to construct a 500 million euro data centre for a number of reasons.
Mayo County Council approved planning permission last month for the data centre, to be located in the Killala Business Park. However, while the investors are now keen to get construction underway they are beholden to the CRU (The Commission for Regulation of Utilities) to secure a connection to the National Grid and are also seeking from Gas Networks a gas connection to the site.
The proposed two-story building covering more than 29,000 sqm when completed, is set to provide 36 MW capacity on the 66-acre property.
Midwest News has been speaking to Principal at AVAIO Digital John Malone about why the company chose Killala for this significant development.
He explained that the data centre’s use of wind energy, and the potential to secure wind energy along the west coast and the industrial site’s location at the landfall of the Transatlantic cable were among the strongest considerations, together with the constraints in securing adequate power in the Dublin region to operate such a facility.
It is estimated that when the site is fully developed that there will be up to 35 permanent staff employed, while up to 300 jobs will be directly created during the construction phase of the facility.
The approval has been given subject to a number of conditions, including stipulations in relation to noise, traffic and the visual amenities of the locality.
The developers have been instructed to provide comprehensive details of the external lighting system for the site, to ensure it does not interfere with bats.
The granting of permission also involves the payment of a €580,000 development contribution to Mayo County Council.
This lunchtime Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley spoke to Mr Malone about what’s planned for the new Mayo based data centre, who will use it, and when will construction get underway ….
