Atlantic Hub Property Limited plans for major data centre in Derry approved

The proposed site for the data centre buildings outlined in red.

Atlantic Hub Property Limited are proposing to build the centre which will include the erection of four IT service and data centre buildings.

The project aims to avail of the high speed connectivity the area enjoys through Project Kelvin which connects the North to North America and Europe through a high capacity, secure and reliable network through an industry leading fibre optic submarine cable.

Chair of Derry City and Strabane District Council Planning Committee, Councillor Christopher Jackson, said: "Atlantic Hubs decision to locate this significant campus in the North West is a ringing endorsement of the high speed connectivity our region enjoys.

"The applicant cited the fast internet data connectivity we enjoy through the Hibernia North submarine cable system as a critical factor in their decision to locate here.

"The Data Centre would further populate Maydown Industrial Estate, taking advantage of land which is currently vacant and will create employment both in the construction phase and when the centre is completed."

The application proposes the erection of four IT service and data centre buildings, substation compounds, generators, switch gear and transformers together with internal access roads, vehicular access, car parking, security, perimeter fencing and gate houses, external site lighting and associated works.

The vacant application site is on 12 hectares of land, divided by Maydown Road and comprises of two parcels of land of similar size on opposite sides of Maydown Road.

The Planning Committee were meeting in a virtual setting for the first time after the COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of Council committee meetings in March.

Wednesday's meeting was hosted virtually through Cisco and broadcast live to the public on Council's YouTube channel.

A new Addendum to the protocol for the committee to allow Virtual Planning Committees was ratified by Full Council on May 28.

Anyone looking for planning information on application forms, planning fees and planning applications are encouraged to visit the planning portal: www.planningni.gov.uk/public-access-info or contact the service directly by e mailing [email protected] or calling 028 71 253253