Wicklow Fianna Fáil Pat Casey TD has organised a petition campaign both online and with local businesses in Arklow with regard to ensuring that the major Data Centre Devlopment for Avoca River Park is upheld by An Bord Pleanala.
“This appeal means that the planning permission must be reviewed by the Bord within the period of up to 18 weeks.
It is vital that this appeal is dealt with in a prompt manner as in my view this development is a perfect fit for the industrial site at IFI and a massive boost to the Arklow region.
They know that Data Centres are classed as critical infrastructure so this appeal must be dealt within the time frame proposed.
“This is the largest investment in industry in Wicklow in generations and I am determined that this project gets off the ground.
The Data Centre alone is a game changer for the South Wicklow region but Echelon have exciting plans for this iconic site.
I have designed and printed a poster and petition campaign so the people of Arklow can show An Bord Pleanala just how important and welcome this development is for Avoca River Park and the
South Wicklow Region after decades of industrial decay. The petition and posters are located at my offices, local businesses in Arklow and online on my facebook page.
The initial investment is over €500 million and will transform this brown field site into a major data centre with 100 mega watts of capacity in phase 1 which will in turn attract industries in the valuable technology and software sectors”
Apart from the 500 construction jobs that will be needed for the substantial redevelopment of the site, the data centre will in turn initially employ 100 high skilled jobs and will in the future become a hub for a business park which is the model that US data centres have evolved into. Tech companies prefer to locate adjacent to these data centres and therefore the potential for not only Arklow but the South Wicklow region is very exciting.
This development by Echelon is the beginning of a new era of industrial development and jobs for Arklow and I am delighted to have been of assistance in getting this project to this crucial state. I will continue to work closely with this company, the IDA and Wicklow County Council to ensure that this project proceeds into construction. Wicklow based employment is one of my main priorities and I am determined to see this project benefit jobs and commercial activity not just in Arklow but the entire South Wicklow region.”
To sign the petition visit Change.org
