Meath County Council grants permission for data centre at 4 Portan Clonee Co., Co. Meath

In context

There were 3 nationally in the past twelve months. Of the 13 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 85% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 8 March 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Meath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Runways Information Services Limited, intend to apply for Planning Permission for demolition works at three separate disused residential properties and associated former agricultural outbuildings located in the townlands of Portan and Gunnocks, Clonee, Co. Meath, and Retention of the 3-no. existing disused outbuildings at the rear of 4 Portan and change of use to ancillary storage facilities for grounds maintenance materials and apparatus associated with the applicants adjacent Data Centre Campus. The proposed works will consist of the demolition of disused residential properties and associated former agricultural outbuildings under the ownership of the applicant at the following addresses: 4 Portan, Clonee, Co. Meath (D15 XR71), Site Formerly known as Merrycourt, Gunnocks, Clonee, Co. Meath (No Eircode), Áras Mhuire, Gunnocks, Clonee, Co. Meath (D15 K853). The proposed works to the Site Formerly known as Merrycourt and Áras Mhuire (both Gunnocks, Clonee, Co. Meath) will consist of demolition of the disused residential dwelling and associated agricultural outbuildings (including the removal of internal boundary treatments, all services/utilities and septic tanks where necessary), with lands returned to their natural state, including a mix of grass and wildflower planting. The proposals also include new 1.5m high wooden gates at both existing vehicular entrances to the site formerly known as Merrycourt and a new 1.5m high wooden gate and 1.2m high wooden post and rail fence at the existing entrance and frontage to Áras Mhuire, accessing onto the L5028 Kilbride Road. The proposed works to 4 Portan, Clonee, Co. Meath will consist of demolition of the disused residential dwelling and associated detached garage building (including all services/utilities and septic tanks associated with the former residential dwelling where necessary). The proposed development will also consist of retention and change of use of the remaining three outbuildings to ancillary storage facilities for grounds maintenance materials and apparatus associated with the applicants adjacent Data Centre Campus. The land on which demolition will take place will be returned to its natural state, including a mix of grass and wildflower planting. The existing entrance will be retained for inspection and maintenance. The total approximate area of the 3 No. Sites – c. 28,500m2. Total approximate area to be demolished – c. 2,600 m2 , 4 Portan, Clonee, Co. Meath – c. 300 m2 , ……...