By Noel Bradley, Project Director, Structure Tone Dublin
DELIVERING WITHIN A LIVE ENVIRONMENT
As Ireland’s appetite for high-speed and reliable connection is constantly growing, the pressure on digital infrastructure is continuously intensifying. Meeting this demand calls for bespoke ideas including bold, intelligent reinvention. The Drogheda Exchange Data Centre project stands as a great example of how legacy infrastructure can be reimagined to support the next generation of digital services.
The project, commissioned by eir, is a 2.5MW brownfield redevelopment. It has converted a 1970s era telephone exchange in Drogheda, County Louth into a modern, Tier 3 data centre-marking the first of its kind in Ireland. Alongside this, the facility remained completely operational during the construction works, allowing national broadband fiber services, 5G coverage, local telephone switching and management to run.
Unlike greenfield developments, this project required working within the physical and operational constraints of an existing legacy telephone exchange. The original Level 1 footprint housed thousands of subtenant connections, serving critical infrastructure. Reducing and reorganizing this footprint was a significant early milestone, enabling the transition toward a high-performance data environment.
Once services were successfully relocated, the team undertook extensive structural works. This included coring substantial openings through the existing building fabric to facilitate the installation of new structural steel which was essential to support the increased load requirements of the proposed data halls. It was a complex and carefully sequenced operation, balancing engineering ambition with the realities of a live telecom’s environment.
ENGINEERING A TIER 3 DATA CENTRE
At the core of the transformation is a new, state-of-the-art data hall designed to meet modern performance and resilience standards. The facility supports 135 IT racks, complemented by 36 in-row cooling units that deliver efficient, targeted thermal management.
A newly developed external chiller yard, combined with advanced chilled water systems and intelligent controls, ensures consistent performance under varying loads. These systems not only enhance operational reliability but also contribute to improved energy efficiency—an increasingly critical factor in data centre design.
STRENGTHENING POWER RESILIENCE
A robust power infrastructure underpins the entire facility. The upgrade includes modern UPS systems, low- and medium-voltage distribution networks, and comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
To ensure continuity in the event of power disruption, the site is equipped with two standby generators, complete with roof-mounted remote radiators, bulk fuel storage, and fully compliant containment systems. Together, these elements provide a resilient backbone capable of supporting mission-critical operations.
“Structure Tone demonstrated and executed exemplary partnership before, during, and after this challenging project was delivered. Their guidance, knowledge and ownership were second to none, and we always felt as if we were dealing with a very trusted family member who had our backs at all times.”
OPERATIONAL READINESS
Testing and commissioning were embedded throughout the programme, ensuring every system was validated and operationally ready from day one. This rigorous approach guarantees long-term reliability and performance.
A BLUEPRINT FOR NATIONWIDE TRANSFORMATION
Beyond its immediate impact, the Drogheda project may influence broader opportunity. With tenant demand increasing, available power capacity, and less planning constraints compared to greenfield sites, similar upgrades could begin to roll out across Ireland. Repurposing existing exchanges into high-specification data centres presents a scalable, sustainable model for future infrastructure development.
A DIGITAL BACKBONE FOR TOMORROW
The Drogheda Exchange Data Centre transformation is more than a successful project; it is a proof of concept. By turning a 1970’s telecommunications facility into a modern Tier 3 data centre, it demonstrates what is possible when innovation meets experience.
As Ireland’s digital needs continue to evolve, Drogheda now stands as a critical node in the country’s connectivity network—resilient, efficient, and ready for the future.