Planning Permission for a New Sustainably Powered Enterprise Campus in Drogheda
Premier Periclase partners to Submit Planning Permission for a New Sustainably Powered Enterprise Campus in Drogheda
- A joint venture between Gyrogy and Meridiam, ‘Core’, will pave the way for a net-zero emissions model that could change how large energy users operate in Ireland.
- Plans to invest up to €1bn over the next ten years to transform the site
- Fifty jobs to be created in the first phase, with the potential to create several hundred more over subsequent phases.
16th October – Premier Periclase Limited will shortly submit a planning application for the redevelopment of its Drogheda manufacturing site, transforming it into a mixed-use, sustainably powered enterprise campus.
Gyrogy, an Irish energy-tech firm, and Meridiam, an independent investment Benefit Corporation and asset manager in long-term sustainable infrastructure solutions, acquired the Premier Periclase business in May 2023. Since then, the partners have designed plans to transform the site on the north bank of the River Boyne beside Drogheda Port into a state-of-the art industrial campus for large energy users.
The planned pathway to net-zero business campus, which will be called ‘Core’, will involve an investment of between €600 million and €1 billion over the next ten years. The investment, planned to facilitate and manage flexible and renewable energy in ‘real-time’ for the national grid will pave the way for a net-zero industrial campus emissions model that can change how large energy users operate in Ireland.
The redevelopment plan includes demolition and site remediation works, substantial upgrades to the Premier Periclase site infrastructure, and the integration of renewable energy sources, flexible generation and advanced energy storage systems on the new Core campus. Subject to planning, the first phase of development will focus on installing sustainable energy infrastructure and a 32MW data centre.
Over time, the site will grow to accommodate a range of high-tech industries, including biopharma, food, beverage, and sustainable manufacturing. The site’s decarbonisation and development focus will make the campus extremely attractive to large foreign direct investment and Irish projects.
CEO of Gyrogy, Colin Kelly, stated that, “By transitioning to a sustainable business model, this project will secure the long-term future of this historic industrial site, creating more jobs and economic opportunities than ever before for the local community. We are proud to be part of a project that not only delivers significant energy-transition and community benefits which will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy practices in Ireland.
The redevelopment of the Premier Periclase site is a major milestone for Drogheda, bringing essential infrastructure upgrades and enhanced biodiversity to the area. The project will significantly reduce emissions, noise, and light pollution, directly benefiting the special areas of conservation and special protection zones associated with the River Boyne.”
The Core project presents an opportunity to transform a site which was once one of Ireland’s largest sources of industrial emissions into a model for sustainable energy innovation. By integrating on-site renewable energy generation, battery storage, and gas engines, the campus will decarbonize energy usage for its large energy users while managing and contributing surplus power to the national grid during peak times.
The Premier Periclase site has a history rooted in industrial innovation. Dating back to 1938, initially for Cement production and since 1977 for Magnesia and Magnesium Hydroxide products, the site played a major role in the life of Drogheda for much of the last century, providing valued local employment, which supported families and the economy of the town. This site offers exceptional infrastructure, including access to existing fresh and sea-water supply, electricity, gas, and renewable energy sources. Its location, on the northern bank of the River Boyne beside Drogheda Port, is strategically connected to national transport networks, making it an ideal site for redevelopment.
About Gyrogy Limited
Established in 2020, Gyrogy, is a cutting-edge Irish technology company that is committed to developing sustainable energy infrastructure for industry. Its innovative solutions are designed to reduce carbon emissions, enable higher levels of renewable energy on the grid, and provide resilient and conditioned power for industrial and digital infrastructure. Gyrogy’s focus is on developing distributed energy infrastructure that enables large energy users to complement the energy transition. Gyrogy is an Enterprise Ireland client company. Gyrogy Limited
About Meridiam
Meridiam was founded in 2005 with the mission to align the interests of the public and private sectors to develop long-term infrastructure solutions that provide positive impact and social value to the communities they serve and safeguard the environment around them. Meridiam specializes in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable and resilient infrastructure in three sectors of activity: essential public services, sustainable mobility, and innovative low carbon solutions. Meridiam has invested more than €80bn globally, and its first project was the development of the Limerick Tunnel in 2006. Since the firm’s inception, a key principle is that infrastructure investment should be long-term, responsible, and sustainable, with clear benefits to local communities. Meridiam
Media Contact:
Justin Bowers
Keating & Associates
