Huge data centre in Derry set to attract attention of global players

The major international IT services and data centre has been granted planning permission by Derry City and Strabane District Council at the latest meeting of its planning committee.

The development by international data centre developer, Atlantic Hub, will be located at Foyle Port in its Innovation Park and represents a significant investment in the North West with a ‘twin’ site in Letterkenny as part of the same cross border campus, currently being assessed by the planning authority there.

The Atlantic Hub campus at Foyle Port will offer world class services to hyperscale operators, and benefit from close proximity to the GTT transatlantic fibre-optic submarine cable - the fastest connectivity available between North America and Europe.

The campus at Foyle Port will have the capacity for up to 1 million sq ft of technical floorspace with complementary hi-tech office accommodation – one of the largest ever property developments in the North West.

The North West is regarded by many as being an excellent location for data centre development due to mild climatic conditions and local sources of renewable energy. As Brexit looms, Atlantic Hub will offer ‘One Front Door’ to the UK and Europe for companies seeking to insulate from the potential adverse impact of Brexit with Northern Ireland offering unfettered access to both the EU and UK Markets.

Brian Doherty, Managing Director at Atlantic Hub, the project developer, said yesterday: “We welcome this good news, which is the culmination of a significant amount of time and effort to bring this project forward. During the planning application process, we have been engaging extensively in the international marketplace developing relationships with potential clients encouraging them to locate in the North West on successful receipt of planning permission.

“With this project planning approval, we are in prime position to accelerate our conversations with the serious players in the sector. The strategic location of the campus at Foyle Port is vital as it provides connectivity to local energy supplies generated from 100% certified renewable sources. Furthermore, our efforts in the development and delivery of a ‘Green Region North West’ initiative as part of this overall project, is our commitment to ensure the region targets zero carbon emissions, pressing ahead with sustainable development that does not impact the environment and will deliver even more inward investment for the region.”