The Emerald Isle is known for a great many things: rainbows, leprechauns, St. Patrick, great beer and beautiful scenery. Books lovers from around the world flock there to visit Trinity College’s massive, Hogwarts-like library, and the Cliffs of Moher are certainly a sight to see. What you may not know, though, is that Ireland is also the best place for companies to set up a data center in the EU.
Okay, that may not be the most alluring tourist attraction, but that doesn’t make it any less true. According to a new report from data center consulting group BroadGroup in its new report, Ireland’s connectivity, taxes, renewable energy and active government support make it prime real estate for data centers.
As Andy Patrizio points out in his recent article for NetworkWorld, “BroadGroup’s report argued Ireland’s status in the EU, as well as its “low corporate tax environment,” make it an attractive location. It also cites connectivity, as Ireland will get a direct submarine cable system from Ireland to France—bypassing the U.K.—in 2019. The country also has a high installed base of fibre and dark fibre with further deployment planned…The report also notes active government support for inward investment from companies such as Amazon and Microsoft (News - Alert) has resulted in the construction of massive facilities around Dublin.”
Although there are already quite a few data centers located in Ireland, the changes stated above have the number of data centers in the area set to grow in the coming years. “Even now, authorities are seeking to identify potential land banks for new large-scale data centre facilities in Ireland, which indicates that the supply of more space will continue to enter the market,” the report says.
For large corporations, Ireland’s efficiency in the data center space is no revelation. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft already have facilities in Dublin, with Microsoft’s location being one of the largest in the EU. Apple (News - Alert) is also looking to build a €850 million data center in Athenry, which is located just outside of Dublin.
Of course, these massive investments are also contributing, in their own way, to Ireland’s status as a data center goldmine. The money that’s going into the country due to these investments is, of course, helping Ireland, which in turn creates more potential for data center locations.
All in all, there are quite a few factors contributing to Ireland’s success in the data center realm. Before long, the country may become the next data hub of the world, or at least the EU. So next time you adventure over to the Emerald Isle for a Guinness, make sure to appreciate all the country has to offer, even the unexpected parts.
Edited by Maurice Nagle