Interview: Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive, South Dublin County Council

How is SDCC preparing to accommodate future FDI? 

SDCC is home to Grange Castle Business Park, the largest wholly owned local authority FDI site in Ireland. It has become the location of choice for world-class multinationals such as Pfizer, Microsoft, Amazon and Google. It is a world class facility with investments of over 5 billion euro and has a significant pipeline of ongoing investments. For investors considering Ireland, Grange Castle Business Park is a natural first visit, especially as all services imaginable are already on site, including broadband, energy and water services. 

Grange Castle Business Park is conveniently located six miles from the city center and lies on various arterial transport routes of the national road, bus, and cycle-ways network, which are adjacent to the park. It is a mere 25-minute drive from Dublin Airport and in close proximity to seven third level institutes. 

SDCC has a proven 20-year track record in the planning, development and management of the park, streamlining the process for new investors. Grange Castle Business Park holds the largest land area for accommodating substantial new businesses, and we are developing an additional five hundred acres, including the tendering of all related infrastructure, with a view to being ready to accommodate new business and FDI later this year. 

How is SDCC mitigating the supply pinches of downtown Dublin? 

The county has a crucial function in accommodating the urban growth of Dublin. The supply and pricing concerns are not as severe as downtown, and SDCC has land zoned to accommodate another 42,000 homes in preparation for future demand. SDCC has five main growth areas planned for urban development of residential units and two have been given a fast-track strategic development zone (SDZ) planning status. 

The county is home to the youngest workforce in Ireland and has a pro-business environment. South Dublin is therefore full of youthful energy, innovation, and opportunity; and has significant growth plans to ensure it provides for an excellent quality of life for current and future residents. 

What benefits does South Dublin life provide residents? 

South Dublin is a visually appealing place to live and offers its residents modern convenience, excellent amenities, high-quality landscaping and state of the art technological innovation to solve Dublin’s current lifestyle challenges. It offers all of the `edge of city` benefits, starting with strong connectivity to the city center and the environmental wellbeing of the countryside. SDCC is in the process of a 50 million euro investment program for a cluster of additional attractions across the county. 

South Dublin is home to vast green areas including the Grange Castle Golf Club, The Grand Canal Green Route, and a series of regional parks. The Grand Canal Green Route is a walkable and cycle-able path network that stretches from South Dublin into the city center, and allows cyclists in some areas to reach the city center in approximately 15 minutes. South Dublin residents can embrace the countryside by hiking the Dublin Mountains and running along the canal, all while being close to the bright lights of Dublin city center. 

How is SDCC balancing rapid growth with sustainability? 

SDCC has been awarded four million euro by the Climate Action Fund to develop Ireland’s first district heating system. We have permitted Amazon to establish a substantial data center, which will process waste heat and convert it into hot water to be utilized by the district to heat nearby buildings. It is an excellent example of global innovation within South Dublin County, which will directly benefit the local community while aiding Ireland to reach its sustainable energy targets.


More Articles

  • Become a Sliabh Liag Distillers Seanchaí

    Become a Sliabh Liag Distillers Seanchaí

    Seanchaí – Custodian of an oral tradition In a way, we are all seanchaí (phonetically pronounced: “shan-a-key”)  – story tellers, legend keepers and curators to our own story’s lives. Sliabh Liag Distillers’ invites you to become a Seanchaí and own one of 600 exclusive casks. Choose from Casks of smoky Donegal Single Malt or Pot…

  • Ireland’s Medtech Ecosystem

    Ireland’s Medtech Ecosystem

    Cook Medical is one of many key players within Ireland’s innovative medtech cluster. The company’s award-winning Limerick facility handles the R&D behind many successful medical technology products Since 1996, US-based medical technology company, Cook Medical, has operated a facility in Limerick. This facility was initially limited to basic manufacturing, labeling, and distribution work for its…

  • Sustainability: Meeting the Needs of the Present without Compromising the Future

    Sustainability: Meeting the Needs of the Present without Compromising the Future

    The Irish food industry is one of the most scientifically advanced and sustainable globally  The small island of Ireland has rich, fertile soil and privileged weather for farming. Agriculture has historically been Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, and today it continues the tradition. While the island has a population of 5 million people, it consistently exports…

  • Irish Academia: A Collaborative Approach to Innovation

    Irish Academia: A Collaborative Approach to Innovation

    Ireland’s world-class higher education sector, in collaboration with industry and research focused institutions, bolsters Ireland’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem and fosters innovation across the country Ireland is an innovation powerhouse. The country has become a science and technology global leader driven by a higher education sector prioritizing research and development (R&D).  The small yet…

  • The Inclusive University with Innovation & Entrepreneurship in its DNA

    The Inclusive University with Innovation & Entrepreneurship in its DNA

    Munster Technological University (MTU) was created on January 1st, 2021. MTU, which consists of six campuses across Cork and Kerry with a student body of more than 18,000, is a center of excellence in education, research and engagement for career-focused learners seeking enterprise and community-ready qualifications and experiences Ireland is one of the most diverse…

  • University College Dublin: Shaping The Future Through Research and Innovation

    University College Dublin: Shaping The Future Through Research and Innovation

    University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland’s global university and a leading European research-intensive university, was established over 160-years ago Internationally focused and forward-looking, UCD recently launched ‘Shaping the Future’, a new research and innovation strategy. This strategy sets out its ambitious plans to build on its success to date and grow the excellence and impact that…

  • Ireland’s Global Leader on the Edge of the Atlantic

    Ireland’s Global Leader on the Edge of the Atlantic

    In the south-west of Ireland, a university is driving the growth of a region that has become increasingly attractive for international study and foreign direct investment Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city, located in the southwest of Ireland in what is considered one of the most beautiful regions of the country. This is a spectacular part…

  • TU Dublin’s New Campus Transforms Downtown

    TU Dublin’s New Campus Transforms Downtown

    Ireland’s First Technological University Breaks National Records With Infrastructure Development Project Though it was officially established on January 1, 2019, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is not a newcomer to Ireland’s educational landscape. Its history goes back to the Dublin School of Technology, a pioneering post-secondary institution established more than 130 years ago. Recently, TU…

  • Ireland: the Second-Largest Funds Domicile in Europe

    Ireland: the Second-Largest Funds Domicile in Europe

    With an increase in allocation to ESG products, Ireland is becoming a leader in sustainable finance The European Commission’s Green Deal is striving to make Europe the world’s first climate neutral continent by 2050. To make this ambition a reality, the European Commission’s Action Plan on Sustainable Finance is redirecting EUR one trillion of capital…

  • Irish Consulting: Helping Navigate Complex Geopolitical Shifts

    Irish Consulting: Helping Navigate Complex Geopolitical Shifts

    Managing Partner of EY Ireland answers questions about the future of the industry Similar to other sectors in Ireland, the Irish professional services industry has rapidly expanded in recent years in parallel with increasing FDI and ever growing business activity. Ireland has long been a strategic gateway for global operations, and in particular as a…

  • For Many Irish Companies, Flexible Workspaces are the Perfect Fit

    For Many Irish Companies, Flexible Workspaces are the Perfect Fit

    Workspace providers bounce back from COVID-19 pandemic With the lifting of one of the longest COVID-19 lockdowns in the world, decision-makers in Ireland look toward the future of their company function. Flexible workspaces have come center-stage, particularly in Dublin, as the popular alternative to the traditional private office. Companies big and small have found that…

  • International Financial Services Remains a Key Sector

    International Financial Services Remains a Key Sector

    Despite Challenges, the Sector Remains Strong Finance is big business in Ireland, and as of late, international financial services (IFS) in particular play a crucial role in the Irish economy. 11 of the world’s 15 largest insurance businesses have a presence in Ireland, with Irish insurance companies serving 25 million customers across 110 countries. Additionally,…

  • Ireland’s Commitment to the EU Underpins its Desirability as a European Base

    Ireland’s Commitment to the EU Underpins its Desirability as a European Base

    Grant Thornton Irish desks across the USA help facilitate the internationalization process The Republic of Ireland’s commitment to the European Union, ease of business, and reliable tax structure have been core pillars in the country’s ability to attract global financial services firms. Therefore, it is not a surprise Ireland has been the destination of choice…

  • Ireland as a Global Hub for Finance

    Ireland as a Global Hub for Finance

    The country’s financial services sector is one of the EU’s most important hubs Ireland is a financial powerhouse, and the fourth largest provider of wholesale financial services in the European Union. The country’s international financial services (IFS) sector encompasses more than 430 financial services companies serving every major economy globally. Home to 20 of the…

  • Ireland: the Jurisdiction of Choice for American Companies in Europe

    Ireland: the Jurisdiction of Choice for American Companies in Europe

    A conversation with Alan Connell, Managing Partner of Eversheds Sutherland Ireland Before the financial crash in 2008, Ireland was one of the biggest European success stories. Nicknamed the ‘Celtic Tiger,’ the island nation had low unemployment, low inflation, modest public debt, and solid growth.  Alan Connell, Managing Partner of Eversheds Sutherland in Ireland, the country’s…

  • Cubic Telecom: Delivering Connected Software Solutions to the World

    Cubic Telecom: Delivering Connected Software Solutions to the World

    Innovative Irish companies, like Cubic Telecom, are playing a major role in the digital transformation of some of the world’s most important industries Ireland has emerged as a technology hub for innovation, with many of Silicon Valley’s most valuable companies setting up their European base there. Beyond attracting top industry players with its supportive business…

  • Realizing the Potential of Ireland’s IFS

    Realizing the Potential of Ireland’s IFS

    Technology-driven innovation and forward-thinking financial institutions are driving the success of Ireland’s international financial services sector To ensure Ireland’s international financial services industry (IFS) continues to thrive as a top-tier global location of choice for IFS, the Irish government created a strategy, Ireland for Finance. The strategy is based on four key pillars. First, by…

  • Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency

    Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency

    West Cork-Based Infrared Heating Business Upholds Nation’s History of Applied Innovation As the world grapples with climate change, there has been a renewed focus on sustainability, and corporations continue to seek solutions to achieve their new ESG targets. As one of the most energy-intensive economic sectors, industry is increasingly the focus of scrutiny. Solutions to…

  • County Monaghan

    County Monaghan

    The drumlin-dotted landscape and rolling hills that inspired the poems of Patrick Kavanagh seeks FDI Nestled within County Monaghan lies Castle Leslie Estate, one of Ireland’s finest luxury five-star castle hotels. Despite being home to such a gorgeous estate, the county is often an overlooked gem. Nevertheless, County Monaghan is famous for its drumlin landscape…

  • Dublin’s Silicon Docks

    Dublin’s Silicon Docks

    Europe’s “Silicon Valley” has embraced a high concentration of tech startups and mega multinationals Dublin continues to attract tech multinationals into the country, allowing for the corporations to penetrate European markets efficiently. Over the years, the IDA has successfully attracted a record breaking amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector alone employs 37,000…

  • Irish Hospitality: Exporting Aparthotel Expertise

    Irish Hospitality: Exporting Aparthotel Expertise

    As cities grapple with the challenges of providing quality accommodation, Tom Walsh, Co-Founder and CEO of Staycity Group, explains how Staycity’s unique offering contributes much-needed quality options to cities while providing visitors with a perfect blend of home and hotel. Staycity started with one apartment in Dublin in 2004 and now operates serviced apartments in…

  • Enterprise Territory Optimization

    Enterprise Territory Optimization

    An Irish cloud-based solution offers a unique value-added proposition In recent years, Ireland has become a global leader in software development, and is now home to many international cloud service companies. While these solutions are in the cloud, they have real-world implications that improve efficiency across various economic sectors.  eSpatial is one of these Irish…

  • Smart Wastewater Solutions

    Smart Wastewater Solutions

    Smart solutions are efficient, adaptable, and target the problem directly with appropriate use of resources, without needing to be oversized or lavish.  When Center Parcs built its EUR 230 million, 500 lodge forest park resort within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands in Longford, they turned to Butler Manufacturing Services (BMS) as an innovative local solutions provider based…

  • Liechtenstein: A Global Business Success Story

    Liechtenstein: A Global Business Success Story

    A principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria fosters a prosperous, highly industrialized economy Liechtenstein has the second-highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita globally, the second-lowest unemployment rate, and is the world’s least indebted nation. Although small in size, the sovereign nation of Liechtenstein is well-integrated globally. It is a member of several multilateral organizations,…