A new report from Host In Ireland in association with Bitpower has highlighted Ireland’s new position as the ‘Data Isle’ of Europe with Dublin now recognised as holding the largest market share of hosting facilities in Europe by year end 2018.
The latest Quarter 4 2018 update released by Host In Ireland shows Ireland’s attractiveness as a data hosting location is currently at its strongest, with 53 data centres in operation and a capital investment spend of over €1 billion in 2018.
The report drew on a recent industry update by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) revealing that Dublin is now the leading destination for hosting facilities in Europe. With 25% market share of the European data market, the Dublin metro area surpassed London by 1%.
The Host In Ireland Quarter 4 2018 Report also revealed that:
- Sixteen new data halls became operational in 2018 with;
- Twenty-eight new data centre facilities currently in development (either under construction or with approved planning).
- Further €5 billion capital investment expected within four years
“We are extremely proud of Ireland’s new status as the ‘Data Isle’ with 25% of the total hosting market share in Europe. It is becoming increasingly evident that Data is an industry of real substance providing the Irish economy and companies with growing import and export opportunities,” said Garry Connolly, president, Host In Ireland.
“The level of investment into Ireland from the hosting industry has brought about substantial opportunity for many Irish companies in recent years. Some have seen significant growth enabling them to export their skills and services across Europe, US and Asia. Ireland is now seen as a hosting industry leader, not just due to the size of the market share we currently hold in Europe, but because of the hard work, skill and expertise built up by Irish companies and individuals in recent years which is now recognised internationally,” Connolly added.
Recent research shows data centres continue to provide significant economic and job multiplier benefits in terms of employment and the economy. A report from the IDA demonstrated that 700+ Irish companies benefited from 90% of expenditure from data centres investment in Ireland. Further to the direct economic and employment benefits, data centres act as a facilitator to unlock greater benefits across a €71 billion global technology services export market.