non-technical summary · 2017. 11. 30. · eircom is the largest operator of voice and data...

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NON TECH SUMMARY AWN Consulting Limited _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ EIRCOM CLONDALKIN EDC PROJECT NTS, Page 1 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 1.0 Introduction This is the non technical summary of an Environmental Impact Statement prepared by AWN Consulting on behalf of eircom Ltd (eircom). It relates to a proposal for planning permission for the development of a Data Centre and associated Energy Centre at a site at Clondalkin Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The site, located just off the M50 motorway, is currently in use as an eircom logistics depot. Requirement for An EIS The requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for certain types and scales of development is set out in the EIA directives (85/226/EEC, 97/11EC and 2003/35/EC) and for current purposes is given effect in Ireland by the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2012. Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2013 stipulates the type and classes of development for which an EIS is required. Part 2 of Schedule 5 states that an EIS is required for certain Infrastructure Developments. The proposed development exceeds the threshold for an Infrastructure Project in a built up area other than a Business District, the area being greater than 10 Hectares as identified in section 10(b) (iv) of Schedule 5 Part 2 and an EIS has been prepared accordingly. This EIS has been prepared in the Direct Format Structure as set down in the “Guidelines on Information to be Contained in an EIS” produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (March 2002). In general the EIS follows the framework presented in the EPA “Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements” (September 2003). The Applicant eircom is the largest operator of voice and data communications networks and services in Ireland, providing a comprehensive range of voice, data, Internet, broadband and managed services to the Irish marketplace. Headquartered in Heuston South Quarter, St. Johns Road in Dublin and with a customer base of over 1 million, including more than 160 government agencies, eircom has unrivalled experience in the Irish marketplace in rolling out major projects. eircom intends to expand its current data centre foot print in Ireland to meet growing demand for Cloud Computing space as well as enterprise and government data centre requirements. Due to Irelands emerging unique position as a “Technology Hub” in Europe and a leading “internet economy”, Ireland is well positioned to capture a growing slice of the data centre and cloud computing market in Europe. This will require more data centre space to meet demand and to ensure Ireland meets its commitments to be a leading digital technology centre in Europe. Scoping and Consultation The scope and content of the EIS have been prepared having regard to the EPA Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) 2003 and the EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements, 2002. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EPA Export 30-11-2017:03:34:14

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Page 1: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY · 2017. 11. 30. · eircom is the largest operator of voice and data communications networks and services in Ireland, providing a comprehensive range of voice,

NON TECH SUMMARY AWN Consulting Limited

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EIRCOM CLONDALKIN EDC PROJECT NTS, Page 1

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 1.0 Introduction

This is the non technical summary of an Environmental Impact Statement prepared

by AWN Consulting on behalf of eircom Ltd (eircom). It relates to a proposal for

planning permission for the development of a Data Centre and associated Energy Centre at a site at Clondalkin Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The site,

located just off the M50 motorway, is currently in use as an eircom logistics depot.

Requirement for An EIS

The requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for certain types and scales of development is set out in the EIA directives (85/226/EEC, 97/11EC and 2003/35/EC) and for current purposes is given effect in Ireland by the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2012. Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2013 stipulates the type and classes of development for which an EIS is required. Part 2 of Schedule 5 states that an EIS is required for certain Infrastructure Developments. The proposed development exceeds the threshold for an Infrastructure Project in a built up area other than a Business District, the area being greater than 10 Hectares as identified in section 10(b) (iv) of Schedule 5 Part 2 and an EIS has been prepared accordingly. This EIS has been prepared in the Direct Format Structure as set down in the “Guidelines on Information to be Contained in an EIS” produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (March 2002). In general the EIS follows the framework presented in the EPA “Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements” (September 2003). The Applicant

eircom is the largest operator of voice and data communications networks and

services in Ireland, providing a comprehensive range of voice, data, Internet, broadband and managed services to the Irish marketplace. Headquartered in Heuston South Quarter, St. Johns Road in Dublin and with a customer base of over 1

million, including more than 160 government agencies, eircom has unrivalled

experience in the Irish marketplace in rolling out major projects.

eircom intends to expand its current data centre foot print in Ireland to meet growing

demand for Cloud Computing space as well as enterprise and government data centre requirements. Due to Irelands emerging unique position as a “Technology Hub” in Europe and a leading “internet economy”, Ireland is well positioned to capture a growing slice of the data centre and cloud computing market in Europe. This will require more data centre space to meet demand and to ensure Ireland meets its commitments to be a leading digital technology centre in Europe. Scoping and Consultation The scope and content of the EIS have been prepared having regard to the EPA Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) 2003 and the EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements, 2002.

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NON TECH SUMMARY AWN Consulting Limited

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EIRCOM CLONDALKIN EDC PROJECT NTS, Page 2

During the course of the preparation of this application, a series of pre planning meetings between the design team and SDCC were conducted to ensure the local authorities views on aspects of the proposed development were duly reflected in the design and operation of the facility. Correspondence with other stakeholders including the EPA, Inland Fisheries Ireland, ESB and Casement Aerodrome is detailed in the EIS.

2.0 Description of the Proposed Development Introduction

The proposed Data and Energy Centre is to be located on the existing eircom “Cable

Depot” site at Clondakin Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Co Dublin.

The site is located to the north east of Clondalkin Village close to the intersection of the M50 Motorway and the Grand Canal. The site is located within range of the N4 and N7 national primary routes and is served by a good local road network including the Cloverhill road from which the Industrial Estate is accessed. Clondalkin Industrial Estate is located c.500m north east of Clondalkin village on the outskirts of Dublin City (c.10 km south west of the city centre), approximately 20km south of Dublin International Airport. Nearby towns and villages include Lucan 4 km to the north, Tallaght 5 km to the south as well as Saggart and Newcastle to the southwest, Inchicore and Ballyfermot to the northeast all within South County Dublin. Context

The site (c. 13.49 ha. in area) is currently in use by eircom as a cable storage depot

with some associated office and warehouse units. The depot site (7.51ha), in use since the 1980’s, is largely hard paved though, the eastern portion (5.98 ha) along the boundary with the M50 motorway, is greenfield and has never been developed.

The Grand Canal passes along the southern edge of the subject site. The site is relatively flat though there is a slight fall towards the Grand Canal.

The site is currently accessed from the north west via site security control. Most of

the surrounding lands within the industrial estate are occupied by light industrial uses including light engineering, construction, waste management and food manufacturing uses. Cloverhill Industrial Estate is located directly north of Clondalkin Industrial Estate and has a similar light industrial profile. Though dwellings in the area immediately around the site are relatively sparse, the Clondalkin area is densely populated. The nearest dwellings to the project are located immediately west of Clondalkin Industrial Estate, along the Grand Canal (to the south) and across the M50 including some high rise development at Park West and Woodford Walk. Proposed Development

eircom intends to develop a c.30.4MW Data Centre (critical load), in two phases, to

provide data storage solutions for its customers. The facility will facilitate the secure storage, and distribution of information to individuals, businesses and organisations. A gas powered Energy Centre is incorporated into the development so that the Data Centre is fully self sufficient in terms of its power and cooling requirements. The Energy Centre is to be connected to the national gas network via an AGI installation to be located in the south eastern corner of the site.

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The facility (primarily c.47,766m2 Data Centre and c.5,306m2 Energy Centre)) will consist of the following primary aspects; Data Centre Aspect

c.12,728m2 of Data Server Rooms

c. 8,966m2 of associated generator and battery Plant Rooms (20 in total each) as a backup in case of loss of power from the energy centre to maintain the temperature, humidity and power supply required to run the facility (including 30m high generator stacks)

c. 14,682m2 of an air deck containing air handling units and associated plant.

c.3,055m2 of Maintenance and Storage space (storage of spares and components)

c.4,142m2 of Administration Building including Offices and Canteen

Associated circulation space, sprinkler valve rooms, WC rooms, stair wells etc

Energy Centre Aspect

c.5,306m2 of an Energy Centre Building containing 6 x lean burn gas engines (4 duty with 2 for standby and maintenance over the 2 phases), associated waste heat boilers and chillers (each)

2 associated 33m high stacks (for the gas engines and boilers)

22 Cooling towers (11 per phase)

c. 2,194m2 of an Energy centre Ancillary Building (Operations Control Room, Electrical room, Storage and Staff accommodation)

c.228m2 of Ancillary Generator Building, containing 2 No. backup generators. Ancillary infrastructure will include;

AGI installation for gas supply to site

Internal Road Network and Parking (120 spaces)

Drainage Infrastructure including retention Pond and interceptors

Sprinkler Tanks for fire suppression etc (600 m3)

Landscaping of site boundaries

Security Hut

ESB Medium Voltage Substation

Storage tanks for fuel and oil. The layout of the facility (and the area of application) is shown on Figure 2.1 and the planning drawings accompanying the EIS. Drainage Systems At present foul sewerage at the site is served by a pipe network which discharges to an existing 300mm diameter foul sewer which traverses the site in an East- West orientation. This sewer connects to the 9B trunk sewer (1200mm diameter) which passes through the eastern portion of the site. It is proposed to divert this section of 9B foul sewer and install a network of foul sewerage pipes around the site to intercept all discharges from both sanitary and process uses. The diversion of the main foul sewer will be planned with SDCC water services to ensure no loss of service or health and safety risks. In terms of storm water, the majority of surface water from the site currently discharges unattenuated to the “Gallanstown stream” to the south of the site (connected to the River Cammock). It is proposed to drain the site using a network of pipes containing swales along the edge of the internal road network where possible.

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These drains and swales will discharge to a surface water retention pond/attenuation pond located at the southeast corner of the site where the discharge shall be controlled using a vortex flow control to limit the maximum discharge for the 1% Annual Exceedance Pollution event (1:100 year return period. The attenuation pond to be constructed to the south west of the site will be designed to retain a constant volume of water to promote settling and reduce conveyance of suspended solids and other particles to the receiving waters. An attenuation volume of 3,390m3 has been calculated. Further details are provided in Chapter 7 of the EIS and associated appendices. Foul drainage will be collected from site (data and energy centre washroom facilities and canteen) and discharged to the local foul drainage network which ultimately discharges to Ringsend WWTP. Staffing It is proposed that c.60 staff will be employed at the development, 10 in the energy centre and 50 in the data centre and related administration buildings. A further 60 eircom project staff may also be accommodated at the site. Inputs and Outputs The primary inputs to the proposed development are power (provided by the site energy centre), water (mains) and diesel fuel (for emergency generators as and when required). The main outputs are waste air, water and emissions from the energy centre and generator stacks (when the generators are in operation). Regulatory Control In advance of the preparation of this application, the project team have received written confirmation from the EPA that the proposed development does not require an EPA licence provided where the thermal input is less than 50MW. The first phase of the development will not exceed this limit. An IPPC licence may be required for the completion of the development and this will be submitted as required. Design Health and Safety It is intended that the proposed development will have a long lifespan. Regular maintenance and upgrading of the facility over time will enable it to continue to meet future demands. The facility has been designed in accordance with the Safety Health and Welfare at Act 2005 and the Health and Safety and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations SI 299 of 2007 and associated regulations.

The plant has been designed by skilled personnel in accordance with internationally recognised standards, design codes, legislation, good practice and experience. Construction The primary activities required during site preparation will be establishment of the contractors’ compound and cutting and filling of various parts of the site to provide the necessary base level for construction. It is proposed to locate the construction compound in the south western portion of the site as shown on the planning drawings accompanying the EIS.

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It is estimated that approximately 35,000m3 of spoil will be generated by site preparation, site levelling and construction. The majority of this spoil material comprising soils and subsoils, subject to an assessment of its suitability for re-use from an engineering and environmental perspective, will be reused in landscaping and berms around the proposed facility. Any excess of materials or material considered unsuitable for re-use will be exported from site and disposed/recovered at a suitably licensed waste management facility. Once site preparation is completed, building construction for Phase 1 will take approximately 15 months. The total peak construction population on site will be c.250 staff with an average of 150 persons for the duration. Site staff will include management, engineers, construction crews, supervisors and indirect staff. Following the completion of site preparation, all structures will require shallow spread foundations. Building structures will comprise structural steel frames with concrete floors on metal decks. The construction of the walls and roof of buildings will closely follow the completion of structures. Early completion of building envelopes allows the next stage of construction to be completed without delay i.e. building finishes, equipment installation including mechanical and electrical instrumentation, controls etc The outer finishing of the building envelope will be comprised of coloured steel cladding panels with coloured steel louvers to the Data Centre, the energy centre and ancillary buildings shall also be clad in coloured steel panels. Office elements shall include sections of glazed curtain walling.

It is proposed that a Construction Environmental Management Plan be put in place by contractors to minimise the impact of all aspects of the construction works on the local environment. The CEMP will include emergency response procedures in the event of a spill, leak, fire or other environmental incident related to construction. Once the physical structures are in place, specialist contractors will be mobilised to complete the commissioning of the data centre and energy centre. Commissioning is expected to take several months with Phase 1 being completed in end 2015. It is expected that the energy centre will take approximately 6 months longer to commission than the data centre. Interim power of up to 7MW is available to serve a portion of phase 1 in the intervening period. As the construction phase will be complete prior to commissioning, site construction staff will be demobilised subject to the scheduling of Phase 2 construction works (to be completed subject to commercial demand, likely no earlier than 2017).

3.0 Planning and Development Context

The Planning and Development Framework with which the development complies is defined by the:

South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2010-2016

Clondalkin Framework Plan 2011

Clondalkin with its Round Tower dating to the 9th century is one of few monastic settlements in Ireland which have developed in to a town. In recent times, Clondalkin has seen rapid expansion and is now designated as a major town with important educational and commercial functions while retaining its historical aspect.

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The proposed development is to be located within an area zoned EP2 (Enterprise Priority 2 Lands) with the stated aim of; “To facilitate opportunities for high end manufacturing R&D facilities and light industry employment and related uses in industrial areas and business parks.” EP2 zoned areas are located at established economic industrial areas in the general areas around Citywest, Grange Castle, Greenogue, Rathcoole and Clondalkin. While there are no other data centre type developments at Clondalkin Industrial

Estate, the longstanding historical use of the site by eircom means the proposed site

is an ideal location for such a facility. A number of Planning Applications have been made in Clondalkin Industrial Estate over the past 5 years. As part of the proposed development, account has been taken of planned developments in the area, as well as existing local land uses. The primary applications of note to the proposed application are for waste facilities to the west of the proposed development including the Hammond Lane Metal Company and Greyhound Recycling. It is considered that there are no issues with the development of the proposed Data Centre and Energy Centre in Clondalkin Industrial Estate which is generally characterised by light industrial development. In conclusion it can be stated that the proposed development complies fully with the stated requirements of SDCC and will be a strategic asset in the continued economic recovery of the Dublin area.

4.0 Examination of Alternatives

EIA legislation and prevailing guidelines and best practice require that Environmental Impact Statements consider the following aspects for EIA projects with regard to their environmental effects.;

Alternative project locations;

Alternative designs/layouts;

Alternative processes;

Alternative Sites

eircom is Irelands largest telecommunications company and data infrastructure

owner and as such has a network of sites around Ireland which were considered for the location of the proposed development. While a wide variety of general environmental and economic criteria were considered, the key criteria for the location of the proposed development were; 1. Availability of a High Quality telecommunications fibre network 2. Accessibility to the natural gas network (to provide energy for the high efficiency

power and cooling systems required to operate the facility) 3. Availability of a suitably large site with suitable development zoning 4. Low natural disaster risk particularly in relation to flooding Having considered their existing portfolio of sites, the majority were simply not large enough to accommodate the proposed development to include both a Data Centre and associated Energy Centre.

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Furthermore at present eircom have existing data centre facilities at Clonshaugh,

Blanchardstown, City West and Sandyford. It was concluded that the location of the

proposed Data Centre at Clondalkin significantly improves the diversity of the eircom

Data Centre network in Dublin and is geographically logical with regard to the security of their network around the periphery of Dublin.

Alternative Designs/Layouts Since appointment in early 2013 , the project design team under the direction of the project designers CSEA, undertook a comprehensive assessment of the proposed site to maximise its use in terms of both the spatial distribution of the various aspects within the site and the optimal use of the site area. As the overall site is approximately triangular in shape a number of iterations of site layout were considered to arrive at the proposed arrangement of buildings, access and site infrastructure. The siting of the proposed facility has been carefully considered with due regard to the sensitivity of the nearby Grand Canal and residential areas in the environs of the site. Alternative Technologies The proposed technology (incorporating an Energy Centre at the site of the proposed development) represents one of the most advanced Data Centres in Ireland (and Europe). The design and engineering of the facility has been designed to meet and exceed the standards of minimum energy efficiency for Data Centres as required by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers). ASHRAE are considered a leading international authority on the design of Data Centres.

The proposed site is considered an excellent location for the proposed data centre and associated energy centre from both from an environmental perspective and a planning perspective. The site has excellent access to all the required utility infrastructure (most notably the gas and fibre telecommunications networks) which will mean minimal disruption to adjacent site users and nearby sensitive receptors during site development.

In the do nothing scenario, if the proposed facility were not to proceed on the

selected site, then it is likely that the existing use of the site by eircom as a cable

depot will continue. However the proposed development of a state of the art data centre if successful would maximise the use of this site and make it a substantial asset in the ongoing recovery of the local, regional and national economy, particularly in light of the emergence of Ireland as a “Digital Hub” for Europe.

5.0 Human Beings

This chapter evaluates the impacts if any, of the proposed development on Human Beings as defined in the EPA Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements), 2003.

The impacts of other environmental aspects associated with the project which may be human related such as noise and vibration, traffic, visual impact and air quality are discussed in the relevant chapters of this EIS. The proposed development will be located at Clondalkin Industrial Estate. Clondalkin Industrial Estate is located c.500m north east of Clondalkin village on the outskirts of Dublin City (c.10 km south west of the city centre), approximately 20km south of Dublin International Airport. Nearby towns and villages include Lucan 4 km to the

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north, Tallaght 5 km to the south as well as Saggart and Newcastle to the southwest, Inchicore and Ballyfermot to the northeast all within South County Dublin. The site is located to the north east of Clondalkin Village close to the intersection of the M50 Motorway and the Grand Canal. The site is located within range of the N4 and N7 national primary routes and is served by a good local road network including the Cloverhill road from which the Industrial Estate is accessed.

The site (c.13.49 ha.) is currently in use by eircom as a cable storage depot with

some associated office and warehouse units. The depot site is largely hard paved though just under 50% of the site, the eastern portion along the boundary with the M50 motorway, is greenfield and has never been developed.

The Grand Canal passes along the southern edge of the subject site. The site is relatively flat though there is a slight fall towards the Grand Canal.

The site is currently accessed from the north west via site security control. Most of

the surrounding lands within the industrial estate are occupied by light industrial uses including light engineering, construction, waste management and food manufacturing uses. Cloverhill Industrial Estate is located directly north of Clondalkin Industrial Estate and has a similar light industrial profile. Though dwellings in the area immediately around the site are relatively sparse, the Clondalkin area is densely populated. The nearest dwellings to the project are located immediately west of Clondalkin Industrial Estate and along the Grand Canal (to the south) and across the M50 including some high rise development at Park West and Woodford Walk.

Demography The demography of the population in the Clondalkin and surrounding areas is described in this report in order to ascertain the potential effects of the project on the wider community. The most recent census of population was carried out by the CSO on the 10th of April 2011. The previous census was completed on the 23rd April 2006. Significant population growth has occurred between the census years of 2011 and 2006, with a similar level of this growth occurring in the South Dublin County area. Nationwide and Dublin population projections indicate this trend of high population growth is to continue into the short term future, regardless of population patterns elsewhere in the state. Over the five year period from 2006 to 2011 the population of the state grew by approximately 8.2%, while the population of the Dublin and South Dublin Region increased by approximately 6.7% and 6.9% respectively. The South County Dublin suburbs have been among the fastest growing areas in Dublin in recent years and these figures reflect the economic role of this area in Dublin. In terms of employment and age profile, it can be seen that there has been a significant rise in unemployment in both the South Dublin area and in the State as a whole between 2006 and 2011. The data suggests that in terms of labour force, the South Dublin area has a significant requirement for and is capable of supporting industries with a need for professional, managerial and skilled employees.

By comparing the figures for the 2006 and 2011 it can be seen that unemployment in Ireland has grown significantly during this period. However this rate of unemployment

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is lower in the South County Dublin area which has a more skilled workforce due to it being more densely populated than the rest of the country. Socio Economic Factors An assessment of the potential impact of the proposed development on socio-economic aspects including Natural Resources, Landscape Amenity and Tourism and Social Infrastructure has also been conducted. It is concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant negative socio-economic effect. Conclusion The assessment concludes that there will be no significant adverse impact on the human environment from the proposed development. It will have a significant positive impact in terms of creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for both people already living in the area and people living in a wider geographical area. There will be no significant adverse impacts with respect to socio-economic factors, land-use, or the amenity value and tourism potential of the area. Health and Safety issues which may cause risks and hazards during the construction and operational phase of the development will be given due consideration. All necessary mitigation measures will be put in place to ensure the health and safety of all site personnel. All other environmental aspects relating to the human environment which could have an adverse impact on the local population such as noise, air & water and visual impacts have been addressed in the relevant chapters of the EIS.

6.0 Soils and Geology

Baseline soil and geological data for the site was compiled through the inspection of Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) databases, a site investigation and soil / groundwater sampling. The site investigation of the site was completed by IGSL and this information was used in the preparation of the EIS chapter. Existing Environment The subject site is underlain by Lower Carboniferous Calp limestones. The GSI has classified this aquifer as Locally Important i.e. an aquifer which is moderately productive, only in local zones. However, the GSI indicate that some excellent yields may be encountered in LI aquifers and the yield class of boreholes in the vicinity of the site ranges from ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’. The closest borehole to the site which is recorded on the GSI well database is approximately 1.2km from the site. The vulnerability of the aquifer is moderate over most of the site and high to the north of the site. The GSI soil mapping indicates that the subsoils comprise primarily till derived from Limestone. Site Investigation Made ground deposits were encountered across the site at most locations, with made ground encountered to up to 3.5m below ground level. There was no visual or olfactory evidence of contamination at any of the locations. The made ground is underlain by firm to stiff brown to grey gravelly Clay, which was proven to a maximum depth of 8.3m bgl. Bedrock was encountered at depths of between 2m bgl and 8.3m bgl. Three soil samples were analysed for waste classification. Two samples were classified as Inert and one was classified as Non-Hazardous. However, chrysotile asbestos was recorded in three of nine soil samples tested, and these soils will be classified as hazardous.

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Soil samples recorded PAHs, phenol, EPH/mineral oil, and SVOCs at concentrations above the limit of detection in some soil samples. The organics noted above the limit of detection in the soil samples were not elevated above the limit of detection in the water samples, indicating that leaching from the soils is not occurring. 3No. groundwater samples were taken from bedrock boreholes SP1, SP2 and SP3. Arsenic and ammoniacal nitrogen was recorded at concentrations slightly higher than the assessment criteria in all locations. As the upgradient groundwater entering the site is had slightly elevated arsenic, the presence of arsenic is not expected to be related to site operations. The concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen is slightly increasing across the site, however there are no known sources of ammoniacal nitrogen used at the site, and there are no treated landscaped areas which could account for the increase in concentration. Excavation and infilling of soil and subsoil will be required for levelling of the site to render it suitable for building the building platform. Where possible, excavated material will be reused on site for infilling and landscaping works. Further sampling and risk assessment will be required prior to redevelopment, due to the presence of asbestos in some of the soil samples. Redevelopment is likely to require approval of a method statement prior to commencement of construction by the HSA. Potential Impacts Accidental spillages may result in contamination of soils and groundwater underlying the site, should contaminants migrate through the subsoils and impact underlying groundwater. Soil stripping and pad foundation construction will also reduce the thickness of subsoils. Surface water runoff during the construction phase may contain increased silt levels or become polluted from construction activities. During the operation stage, there will be no direct discharges to the water or soil environment during the operational phase. There is a potential for leaks and spillages during operation and maintenance of the development. Incorporation of hard stand areas will reduce local recharge to ground. Mitigation Measures A range of mitigation measures will be put in place during the construction phase of the proposed development and will include carrying out an asbestos survey prior to any construction works. To minimise the excavation of made ground the finished floor levels in the energy centre have been raised to avoid unnecessary soil excavation. Temporary storage of soil will be carefully managed in such a way as to prevent any potential negative impact on the receiving environment and the material will be stored away from any surface water drains. To minimise any impact on the underlying subsurface strata from material spillages, all oils, solvents and paints used during construction will be stored within temporary bunded areas. Water containing silt will be passed through an attenuation pond to ensure silt removal and then disposed of to the foul sewer. A project-specific Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be established and maintained by the contractors during the construction and operational phases.

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During the operation phase, emissions from fuel spills or leaks or runoff from rainwater that has passed over impermeable surfaces will be prevented from entering the soil and/or underlying groundwater as all surface water runoff from the development will be directed to oil interceptors prior to discharge to the drainage system. In order to minimise any impact on the underlying subsurface strata from material spillages, oil and fuel storage tanks will be stored above ground in designated areas with an impervious base. Following the implementation of the mitigation measures, the residual impact is considered to be neutral in terms of quality and of an imperceptible significance (short term and long term).

7.0 Water

The main receiving surface water body is a drain which runs along the southern boundary of the site and flows to the east, referred to as the Gallanstown stream. The drain discharges to the Camac River. The Grand Canal passes along the southern edge of the subject site. The site is located within the Eastern River Basin District (ERBD) in Hydrometric Area No. 09 of the Irish River Network. It is within the Cammock (The Camac River) Water Management Unit (WMU) which is part of the River Liffey catchment.

The site is served by a watermain with a connection at the entrance to the site from Crag Avenue. For foul sewage, the site is served by a pipe network which discharges to an existing 300mm diameter foul sewer which traverses the site in an East- West orientation. This sewer then connects to the 9B trunk sewer which is located in the eastern part of the site. It is proposed to install a network of foul sewerage pipes around the site to intercept all point discharges for both sanitary uses and process uses and a 150mm diameter ring main around the site and around the perimeter of each of the main buildings for water supply.

A flood risk assessment was undertaken in accordance with the OPW’s ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’, November 2009. The development site is in Zone C, which has a very low risk of flooding.

The proposed development has a number of water uses which include provision of potable water for the staff on site and also process water uses which are associated with cooling towers used to produce chilled water for Data Centre cooling. The predicted effluent volumes are related to sanitary uses and process uses. It is proposed to drain the site using a network of pipes and incorporating the use of swales along the edge of the internal road network where practicable. This drainage shall be routed through a retention pond located at the southeast corner of the site where the discharge shall be controlled by a vortex flow control.

The potential impacts in relation to water quality and hydrology from the construction phase have been assessed as increased runoff and sediment loading, contamination of local water courses and diversion / erosion of local watercourses. Surface water runoff during the construction phase may contain increased silt levels or become polluted from construction activities. Runoff containing large amounts of silt can cause damage to surface water systems and receiving watercourses. There is a risk of accidental pollution incidence from spillage or leakage of oils and fuels stored on site, construction machinery and use of concrete and cement.

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During the operational phase, surface water could ingress into the surrounding environment and there is a potential for leaks and spillages due to the vehicle movements and parking in the car park. The proposed development will lead to an increase in water and in foul water discharge.

Mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction phase to ensure that no sediment contamination, contaminated runoff or untreated wastewater will enter any watercourses during the construction of the proposed development. Mitigation measures include the following measures. During the construction phase, any drains carrying a high sediment load will be discharged via a settling pond and/or filter strip prior to discharge. To minimise any impact on the underlying subsurface strata from material spillages, all oils, solvents, paints and fuels used during construction will be stored within temporary bunded areas. No concrete batching facility will be required at the site and the contractor will be required to make provision for removal of any concrete wash waters.

Mitigation measures to be implemented during the operational phase to minimise the likelihood of any spills entering the water environment include measures incorporated into the design of the car park, on site speed restrictions, and the appropriate bunding of all fuel storage areas.

The implementation of mitigation measures will ensure that the predicted impacts on the surface water environment do not occur during the construction and operational phase and that the residual impact will be short term-imperceptible-neutral.

8.0 Ecology

There are no rare or protected species of flora or fauna on the proposed development site. The nearest designated lands to the site is the Grand Canal pNHA which is located to the south of the subject site The proposed development site is comprised of rough grassland and scrub.

A drainage ditch on the southern end of the site leads to the Camac River which in turn discharges to the River Liffey at Heuston Station where it has downstream hydrological connectivity with designated sites in Dublin bay, albeit at some distance away, c. 15km.

There is no hydrological connectivity between the proposed development site and the Grand Canal and limited biological connectivity. The site may be considered of Low Ecological Value and locally important. There will be a loss of scrub and grassland which will have a minor impact on biodiversity.

A worst case scenario would occur if the development were to impact water quality in terms of surface water discharge where the water quality of the water course to the south would be affected and where indirect impacts occurred on the Camac River. However, appropriate silt trapping and oil interception will be included in a Construction Management Plan to avoid impacts on water courses leading to the River Liffey and downstream habitats in Dublin Bay.

Avoidance mitigation measures including a minimum 10m buffer zone with the adjoining pNHA are detailed in this chapter which will conserve the integrity of the Grand Canal pNHA and will result in no residual impacts on flora and fauna.

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9.0 Air Quality and Climate

Air dispersion modelling was carried out using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s regulated model AERMOD. The modelling of air emissions from the site was carried out to assess concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), PM10 / PM2.5 and benzene at the worst-case off-site sensitive receptors. The modelling was undertaken to assess the impact of the operation of the gas engines, the operation of the waste heat boilers and the emergency operation and testing of the generators on nearby off-site receptors.

The worst-case scenario modelled for this assessment includes emergency operation of the generators for 200 hours per year calculated according to USEPA protocol and batch testing once per month of the generators. In reality, it is unlikely that the generators would be used for emergency operations for more than 24 - 48 hours per year.

To obtain all the meteorological information required for use in the model, data collected during 2007 - 2011 from Casement Aerodrome has been incorporated into the modelling. The air dispersion modelling input data consisted of information on the physical environment, design details for all emission points on-site and a full year of meteorological data. Using this input data, the model predicted ambient concentrations at the receptors for each hour of the meteorological year. This study adopted a worst-case approach which will lead to an over-estimation of the actual levels that will arise.

In relation to the construction phase of the project, impacts on air quality or climate will not be significant provided the mitigation measures outlined in the assessment are adhered to.

The main study operational conclusions are that emissions from the site will lead to ambient NO2, SO2, CO, PM10 / PM2.5 and benzene concentrations (including background) which are between 0.2 - 71% of the maximum short-term limit values and between 58 - 92% of the annual limit value at the worst-case off-site receptors.

In conclusion, operations from the facility will not result in any off-site exceedance of the applicable ambient air quality standards. This study has incorporated conservative assumptions designed to overestimate the predicted concentrations at sensitive receptors. In relation to the spatial extent of emissions from the site, ambient concentrations, decrease significantly away from the immediate area of the site.

10.0 Noise and Vibration

This noise and vibration chapter has been prepared by AWN Consulting Limited and assesses the anticipated noise and vibration impact associated with the temporary impacts of the construction phase and the longer terms impacts of the day to day operations of the development. The existing noise climate in the wider area of the development site has been surveyed during periods that a representative of a typical daytime period and a period when people are typically preparing for sleep in the late evening/early night. Noise and vibration levels have been found to be typical of a suburban area with a busy major road in the vicinity. Prevailing noise levels are primarily due to road traffic along the existing road network.

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When considering a development of this nature, the potential noise & vibration impact on the surroundings must be considered for each of two distinct stages: the short term impact of the construction phase (i.e. site preparation works) and the short term impact of the operational phase of the facility itself.

Appropriate noise and vibration guidance has been reviewed and distinct noise and vibration criteria for both the construction and operational phase of the development identified. The operational noise criteria proposed are based on guidance espoused by South Dublin County Council.

Subject to good working practice during the construction phase and not exceeding any limits proposed within the EIS, it is anticipated that noise and vibration will not cause any significant issues.

During the operational phase, potential causes of disturbance are considered to be limited to building services plant that are associated with the development. Detailed noise modelling has been carried out and it has been predicted that the proposed plant items will not impact the existing noise climate in the vicinity of noise sensitive locations sufficiently so as to be likely to cause a disturbance.

In summary, any additional noise or vibration impact associated with the proposed development will be not significant.

11.0 Landscape and Visual Impact

The proposed development is to be located within Clondalkin Industrial Estate. The site is located at the eastern end of the established industrial estate where the eastern boundary is defined by the elevated carriageway of the M50. The amenity corridor of the Grand Canal lies to the immediate south of the site and the industrial estate. Residential development is located at Yellowmeadows and Riverside both south of the canal and adjoining Nangor Road, and also to the west of the industrial estate. The site is located within the administrative area of South Dublin County Council with the administrative area of Dublin City to the immediate east of the M50. The site and surrounding lands are zoned Objective EP2: To facilitate opportunities for manufacturing, research and development facilities, light industry and employment related uses in industrial areas and business parks. The corridor of the Grand Canal is zoned Objective F: To preserve and provide for open space and recreational amenities. The corridor of the Grand Canal is also identified as a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA Code No. 002104).

There are no protected views and prospects; tree preservation objectives or orders; or special landscape designations – other than the aforementioned Grand Canal Corridor – in the vicinity of the site. At present the visually flat site is partly developed, primarily as hard standing for storage, and partly undeveloped along the M50 with grass and scrub. The site is not significant or sensitive from a landscape and visual consideration. The lands are zoned for mixed industrial/employment use and located within an established industrial estate and surrounded by existing major developments. The development as proposed is of a significant scale. Nevertheless, it is well-sited and will not give rise to significant landscape or visual impacts from surrounding

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areas, either during construction, in operation or of a residual nature. The development will be most visible in passing views from the M50; however, planting which was established on the motorway embankments following the recent widening of the M50 is increasingly effective in screening views into the site. The development will also be openly visible in views from the multi-storey Aras na Cluaine development at Yellowmeadows south of the Nangor Road. However, existing views from this location are over a partly developed hard-standing / cabling storage area with elevated M50 Motorway in the background. In many ways the proposed development could be considered to present a more co-ordinated and structured aspect within the view. Earth mounding and planting (of primarily native species) is proposed to enhance existing screening from the linear corridor of the Grand Canal. In summary, it is considered that the proposed development is in-keeping with the established / envisaged uses and with the zoning of the industrial estate lands. The site is located adjacent to the elevated corridor of the M50 and is not considered to be visually significant or sensitive. The development is generally well-screened from the corridor of the Grand Canal.

12.0 Archaeological and Cultural Heritage

This section considers the potential impact on archaeological and cultural heritage

sites or features at the location of the proposed eircom Data Centre, Clondalkin

Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This report was prepared by Rob O’Hara MA MIAI of Archer Heritage Planning Ltd for Clifton Scannell Emerson and Associates,

Seafort Lodge, Castledawson Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin on behalf of eircom.

The proposed development is c.13.49 hectares area, of which c.5.98 hectares is previously undeveloped. This desk-based assessment and walkover survey establishes the archaeological potential of the proposed development area and included consultation of a number of heritage-related sources and databases.

The proposed site is located close to Clondalkin village, which has its origins as an early medieval monastery and is the location of a tenth century round tower (a National Monument). There are no recorded archaeological sites within or adjacent to the proposed site. The closet archaeological site is an early medieval burial site in Parkwest, Gallanstown Td, approximately 300m to the east.

There are no protected structures or structures of architectural significance within the proposed area. There are a number of such sites within c. 1km of the area in the Ninth Lock area, but these will not be impacted by the development.

One feature of archaeological potential was noted in a review of cartographic sources, a kink in a parish/ townland boundary. These have been observed elsewhere and may occasionally represent sites that predate the boundary.

A field survey did not see evidence of obvious, unrecorded archaeological remains within the site. The kink noted in the parish/townland boundary is not visible above ground.

This assessment would suggest low-moderate potential for buried archaeological sites within this area. Due to heavy undergrowth over much of the site and previous evidence of vehicle access and construction dumping elsewhere, geophysical survey is not considered an appropriate detection method for this site.

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Limited excavation should be carried out at the location of the kink in the townland boundary at approximately (ITM) 707813, 732249 to rule out any archaeological sites at this location. Archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping should be carried out within the green field portion of the site. Test excavation and monitoring should be licenced by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and National Museum of Ireland.

13.0 Traffic and Transportation

An assessment of the impact of the proposed development in terms of “Traffic and Transportation” facilities to the site has been carried out by Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates Consulting Engineers.

A desk top study was carried out examining all available information in relation to existing road and transport facilities surrounding the proposed site. This was supported by a site visit in October 2013. A Traffic survey was carried out on 3rd December 2013 for the basis of the traffic assessment.

The site, within Clondalkin Industrial Estate, is situated immediately west of the M50 Motorway and north of the New Nangor Road. The M50 is an orbital ring road around Dublin City with interchanges at all radiating National Primary Roads from the M1 to the North and the M11 to the South. Clondalkin Industrial Estate is located c.500m north east of Clondalkin village on the outskirts of Dublin City (c.10 km south west of the city centre).

Clondalkin Industrial Estate is bounded to the south by the R134 Nangor Road Regional Road, which connects the R120 at Milltown to the R110 at Walkinstown and on into the City Centre via the R810 Naas Road. The Industrial Estate is bounded to west, and north, by Station Road. Station Road is primarily a single-lane carriageway linking Ninth Lock Road and the Cloverhill Road overbridge over the M50.

The proposed primary access to the development is from the existing internal road of the Industrial Estate, accessed from Station Road only. The existing entrance to the ‘Cable Depot’ is to be retained for use at the new entrance to the development.

Currently Clondalkin Industrial Estate is served by numerous Dublin Bus Routes along Ninth Lock Road, Nangor Road and Clondalkin Village. The site is also well served by the proximity of Parkwest railway station on the Dublin-Kildare railway.

Based on the recent traffic surveys, 498 vehicles enter the Industrial Estate during the AM peak hour (0700 – 0900). Junction capacity tests at the entrance to the industrial estate undertaken as part of this planning applications show that the junctions will operate to an acceptable level of approximately 32% saturation.

It is estimated that this development will result in an additional 134 vehicles entering the Industrial Estate during this time. The predicted traffic demand capacity on the entrance junction to the industrial estate is 44% saturation.

A construction management plan will be prepared where construction traffic will be managed to avoid peak traffic conditions on the surrounding road network. Where possible, excavated material will be recycled/reused on site. During excavation and removal of this material from the site, road cleaning and wheel washing at vehicular accesses from the site will be carried out.

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During construction it is considered that there will be adequate land within the curtilage of the site to accommodate temporary car and truck parking for construction staff and operations at the early stage of the programme, and at later stages there will be adequate car parking space available within the development. It is proposed to provide 400no temporary parking spaces during the construction phase. The average no. construction jobs created as part of the development will be 150 with a peak of 250 jobs. Vehicular occupancy for construction sites is typically 2.5 persons per vehicle which results in an average of 100 vehicles accessing the site per day with a peak of 180 vehicles per day.

There are no relevant parking standards included in the South Dublin County Development Plan for such development. The proposed parking provision is based on the expected staff numbers and allowances for employees and visitors. It is proposed to provide 120 general car parking spaces as well as 2 disabled parking spaces which will be typically divided as follows:

c.60 spaces for eircom project staff (cloud computing, new business

administration, etc)

c.20 spaces for eircom facilities management staff

c.30 spaces for Data Centre end-users

c.10 spaces for permanent Energy Centre staff (including regular maintenance staff)

In line with sustainability principles, 5 electric car charging points will be provided also. This provision is will prevent overspill parking onto the internal access roads or off site.

The site of the proposed development is ideally situated for travel by public transport. The proposed public transport infrastructure improvements in the area will further improve the accessibility of the site by sustainable modes. Access to public transport, provision of safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle links will encourage travel to the development by sustainable modes. Employees will be encouraged to avail of these facilities for travel to and from work.

14.0 Material Assets

This section of the EIS considered a number of aspects relating to Material Assets of the proposed development, namely ownership and access, potable water supply, wastewater discharge and electricity supply.

The subject site and the area of application is wholly owned by eircom. The current

access to the site (currently a Cable Depot) is directly off the main feeder road, Crag Avenue, through Clondalkin Industrial Estate. It is proposed to continue to use this entrance with some minor amendments to allow for enhanced security procedures.

Chapter 7 of this EIS deals with the water aspect of the proposed development. In terms of water supply the site is served by a 6 inch watermain (connection at the entrance to the site from Crag Avenue). The proposed facility requires water for both potable water and for data centre and energy centre processes (primarily relating to the cooling of the data centre). The average water demand will be approximately 5litres per second. Peak water demand will be balanced using on site break tanks. It is proposed to connect in to the existing main and construct a 150mm ring main around the site and around the perimeter of each of the buildings. Discussions have

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been held with the environmental and water and drainage departments of South Dublin County Council who have confirmed that sufficient water capacity is available subject to localised improvements of the delivery infrastructure. It is proposed as part of the scheme to investigate the potential use of groundwater for process water uses. There are a number of wells in the environs of the site identified on the Geological Survey of Irelands online well database. Some of these wells are in use for industrial purposes and suggest it may be possible to develop a groundwater resource at the site. At present foul sewerage at the site is served by connections to the 9B trunk sewer (1200mm diameter) which passes through the eastern portion of the site. It is proposed to divert this section of 9B foul sewer and install a network of foul sewerage pipes around the site to intercept all discharges from both sanitary and process uses. The diversion of the main foul sewer will be planned with SDCC water services to ensure no loss of service or health and safety risks. In terms of storm water, the majority of surface water from the site currently discharges unattenuated to the “Gallanstown stream” to the south of the site (connected to the River Cammock). It is proposed to drain the site using a network of pipes containing swales along the edge of the internal road network where possible. These drains and swales will discharge to a surface water retention pond/attenuation pond located at the southeast corner of the site where the discharge shall be controlled using a vortex flow control to limit the maximum discharge for the 1% Annual Exceedance Pollution event (1:100 year return period. An attenuation volume of 3,390m3 has been calculated. The proposed development will be required to obtain a discharge licence from SDCC for its discharges to the public sewer system. It is anticipated that this application will be made pending a grant of planning permission for the facility.

The existing eircom site has an 10.6kV ESB grid connection. The main power supply

to the facility when operational will be provided from the Energy Centre. There will also be a 7MVA grid supply at 10.6 kV voltage. Existing electricity and water infrastructure are present at the site of the proposed development. This is also true for telecommunication services. The sewerage infrastructure in the area will also be sufficient to serve the proposed development subject to a discharge licence. Diversion of a number of services will be required including the diversion of the existing 9B foul trunk sewer and underground diversion of 2 number 38kV overhead lines which currently traverse the site. The proposed development will not have any significant impact on material assets including most notably public utilities and natural resources. The facility will utilise existing connections to power, water and sewerage. While the site will have a high natural gas demand, the inherent level of energy efficiency achieved by the use of the Co-Generation Energy Centre (compared to the equivalent Data Centre running on standard electricity from the grid) ensures the use of these resources has been optimised. Overall the predicted impact of the proposed development can be classed as long term and negligible with respect to material assets.

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15.0 Waste Management This section provides an assessment of the impacts arising from the generation of waste materials during both the construction and operational phases of the proposed development. It was prepared by AWN Consulting Ltd. A comprehensive, site specific Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan (C&D WMP) and Operational Waste Management Plan (OWMP) will be prepared in advance of the construction of the proposed development. South Dublin County Council is responsible for setting and administering waste management activities in the area. This is largely governed by the requirements set out in the Waste Management Plan for the Dublin Region.

The potential impacts of the proposed development, in relation to waste generated during both the construction and demolition and operation phases, are that should the C&D WMP and OWMP not be implemented, there would be minimal segregation of wastes into recyclable materials and large quantities of waste being sent to landfill.

A site specific C&D WMP and an OWMP for the operation of the proposed development will be developed to ensure effective waste management and recycling of waste generated at the site. These will ensure the waste arising from the development is dealt with in compliance with the regulations and achieve optimum levels of waste reduction, re-use and recycling. There will be a short-term impact associated with the construction phase of the development. Due to the high level of recycling that will be achieved during the construction phase, the impact will be short term and imperceptible. The OWMP for the development will ensure the waste arising from the development is dealt with in compliance with the regulations and achieve optimum levels of waste reduction, re-use and recycling. The predicted impact of the operational phase will be long term and imperceptible.

Monitoring includes the requirement for recording of all waste materials leaving the site and maintenance of contractor waste collection permits on site.

16.0 Interactions

The interactions between the environmental factors and impacts discussed in the EIS have been assessed and the majority of interactions are long term and neutral, with a number of positive and long term interactions also predicted.

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Clovehill Industrial Estate

Clondalkin Industrial Estate

M50Ballyfermot

Clondalkin

Grand Canal

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community

±

Legend

Site location

0 0.5 1 1.5 20.25Kilometers

Copyright AWN CONSULTING LIMITEDAll rights reserved. No part of this workmay be modified or reproduced or copiedin any form or by means - graphic, electronicor mechanical, including photocopying,recording, taping or information retrieval system, or used for any purpose other thanits designated purpose, without the written permission of AWN Consulting Limited

AWN Consulting Ltd

The Tecpro Building,Clonshaugh Business & Technology ParkDublin 17,Tel: + 353 1 847 4220Fax: + 353 1 847 4257

CLIENT:

PROJECT:

DRAWING TITLE:

REVISION DESCRIPTION

DRAWN CHECKED APPROVED APPD DATE

No. of Shts SIZE SCALE

DRAWING NUMBER SHEET REV

Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates

Site Location(NTS)

D.C D.B D.B 11/012/2013

1 A4 1:30,000

Eircom Data & EnergyCentre

Sources: Esri, DeLorme,NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap,

Figure 1

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Page 21: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY · 2017. 11. 30. · eircom is the largest operator of voice and data communications networks and services in Ireland, providing a comprehensive range of voice,

Project

Eircom Clondalkin

EDC Project

Reference

13/DMcD/7800

Figure 2

Proposed Eircom

Data and Associated

Energy Centre- Site

Layout (NTS)

The Tecpro Building, Clonshaugh Business and Technology Park, Dublin 17

T: +353 1 847 4220 F: +353 1 847 4257

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