SYMANTEC, THE American company which makes anti-virus software, is to sell its former Irish headquarters at the IDA Ballycoolin Business and Technology Park in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
The move follows the development of an alternative facility in Blanchardstown for its 1,000 workers.
They also have an operation in Shannon.
Garret McClean of CB Richard Ellis is seeking over €8 million for the building which has a floor area of 10,300sq m (110,868sq ft) including warehouse, office and staff areas.
The 2.62 hectares (6.47 acres) site occupies a pivotal corner position at the junction of Snugsborough Road and Ballycoolin Road.
Symantec has expanded rapidly since setting up in Blanchardstown in 1991, starting off with 50 people and building the numbers up rapidly to over 1,000 today.
The company operates a frontline security response centre which hunts down viruses and malicious e-mails which threaten computers worldwide.
The west Dublin operation also provides a range of other services including translation, technical and customer support and finance.
The former Symantec headquarters would probably have made around €12 million had it been put on the market more than a year ago but, with most commercial values down significantly over the past 12 months, the vendor has opted for a realistic valuation in the present more difficult market conditions.
McClean describes the Ballycoolin building as a “versatile property” which should appeal to a number of users because of its pivotal location and the fact that it can be extended if planning is forthcoming.
The improving infrastructure in the immediate area and the proposed Metro service to Dublin Airport (due to run in front of the building) would reinforce the importance of the site.
