In relation to the proposed amendments relating to land zoning objectives (13.1, 13.2 and 13.3), AmCham is of the view that decisions related to the significant capital technical infrastructure would be best taken at a national level, and in the context of the wider infrastructural capacity and need. As such, it may be beneficial to categorise data centre projects in the ‘to be considered’ category, given the potential impact that the inclusion of these amendments in the final South Dublin County Council Development Plan may have.
AmCham notes that projects related to significant capital technical infrastructure prove to be beneficial for communities with regard to job creation and support for the local economy. Such projects represent substantial investment and provide both direct and indirect employment in local communities and in the wider region. In South Dublin, as in other regions, such investments have provided economic benefit to the local economy in the context of direct employment, during construction, and resulting from the services provided following their development. Such investments have also resulted in indirect benefits, supporting the attraction of additional commercial investments into the region.
The local benefits of significant tech investments, the continued attractiveness of South Dublin as an investment location, and the direct and indirect employment, are key factors in relation to the consideration of these amendments.
Ensuring decisions related to such projects are taken with a view to the overall infrastructural framework will be important in supporting employment creation and local investment, while balancing these factors with the wider infrastructural framework.
AmCham acknowledges the importance of ensuring Dublin’s continued attractiveness as a location for inward investment. Noting safeguards which exist within the planning process, and actions to support the flow of power through our electricity grid and to plan and provide for future power supply, AmCham is of the view that decision-making as to the appropriate location for the development of significant capital technical infrastructure can most effectively be made through the lens of wider regional and national needs. The consideration of these amendments may wish to examine any adverse impact they may have in terms of the local area’s continued attractiveness for significant tech investments, and in the context of the wider local community, economic, and employment creation benefits.
An approach which supports a national focus in making relevant determinations would also ensure decisions are made with an understanding of both local and national considerations, allowing for the most appropriate decision, not only for local communities, but also for Dublin region, and Ireland as a whole, ensuring such decisions are aligned with national investment and planning policies.