Google expands in Grange Castle

BY the time Google unveils its new €150 million Dublin Data Centre Expansion in Grange Castle in 16 months’ time its total capital investment in Ireland will have topped €1 billion.

The figures were revealed as the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys was joined by Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Business and EU Digital Single Market, in turning the sod on the new expansion of Google’s second data centre in South County Dublin. 

The new facility will also create approximately 400 jobs at peak during its construction.

The announcement was made as a new report by Copenhagen Economics into the impact of Google’s data centres on the Irish economy for the years 2011-2017 revealed how a total of 4,900 jobs are now supported both directly and indirectly. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister Humphreys said: “Fifteen years after first establishing an office here in Ireland, today’s announcement is a testament to Google’s ongoing commitment to Ireland as a key hub for its operations.

“This €150m data centre expansion brings the company’s total investment in its Irish data centres alone to €500m, and its capital expenditure to almost €1bn.

“There is no denying that this is a considerable vote of confidence in Ireland as a place to do business.

“Not only that, but given the importance of data centres in keeping web-based and cloud services running smoothly, this development is also an endorsement of our country’s technical expertise and infrastructure.

“The business sector in Ireland is an ecosystem that benefits from positive news like this, so I am absolutely delighted to welcome this significant investment.”

Minister Pat Breen added: “In addition to the very tangible effect that an investment such as this has on an area, the Copenhagen Economics report released today has shown that Google’s presence here has numerous knock-on benefits too.

“The report highlights that the productivity and competitiveness of local suppliers and businesses benefit from Google’s existence through spill over of the company’s managerial knowledge and operational practices.

“Other companies who might look to invest in Ireland will acknowledge Google’s recognition of the high level of skills, suppliers and resources here, greatly increasing our attractiveness for additional foreign direct investment.”

Terence McGoff, Engineering Director at Google said they were delighted to break ground on their new addition to South County Dublin.

“Our data centres are essential to our operations both in Ireland and across the larger EMEA region,” he said.

“This investment shows our continued commitment to Ireland as a key driver for the whole EMEA region, and we’re proud to see that total capital investment by Google in Ireland has reached a total of €1bn since we first opened an office here in Dublin 15 years ago.”

Cllr Emer Higgins said: “It’s brilliant to see more and more investment in Lucan and Clondalkin.

“Google is a household name and for them to be investing a further €150m in Grange Castle is a serious show of commitment when it comes to South Dublin.

“The construction phase of this project will generate around 400 jobs and there’ll be a further 40 long term roles created.

“South Dublin County Council recently put a proposal out to public consultation to rezone land adjacent to Grange Castle to allow it to expand. And investments like this are what make it a successful enterprise."