Google has received the go-ahead from An Coimisiún Pleanála to expand its data center in Dublin, Ireland.

As reported by The Irish Times, Google can now expand its data center in the Grange Castle Business Park after a lengthy dispute with the South Dublin County Council.

The cloud and search giant revealed it was seeking to construct a 72,400 sqm (779,310 sq ft) data center building at its existing campus in June 2024, but was denied planning permission that August.

This would be the third data center building on the site for Google. The council denied permission at the time, citing “the existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network (grid) and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data center” as reasons for refusal.

It added that the lack of clarity around Google’s Power Purchase Agreements in Ireland and the lack of a connection to the surrounding district heating network were also factors in its decision.

An appeal was later lodged with An Bord Pleanála, now called An Coimisúin Pleanala. Google argued that it secured the necessary grid connection in 2021.

The application was made in the midst of a de facto moratorium on new data centers that was imposed by state-owned grid operator EirGrid, which said it wouldn’t grant any new application requests until 2028.

However, two years later, the company has received the green light for the development, though this is subject to Google meeting conditions, including showing evidence of engaging in power purchase agreements ahead of the development and using renewable fuel for the backup generators.

Other efforts from Google must include encouraging staff to use public transport, cycle or walk to work, and improve the ecological value of the site.

A Google spokesperson said of the new ruling: “Data centers are an essential part of Ireland’s ambitious digital economy, and we want to support that. That’s why we are grateful that An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved Google Ireland’s appeal. We look forward to the next steps as we continue to invest in our infrastructure in the country to meet the growing demand for our services.”

Google has been operating data centers at Grange Castle Business Park since 2012. The company announced plans to convert a warehouse at the site into a data center in 2011, and was later granted permission for a second facility in 2014.

The company previously said it has invested around €500 million ($535.3m) in the site.