Microsoft unveils plans for €134m campus in south Dublin

Microsoft has unveiled its plans for a new €134 million campus-style location in Dublin, bringing its 1,200-strong workforce under one roof.

The intention to move staff at the company, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Ireland, to a single site had previously been disclosed, but the details had not been made public.

The new 34,500 sq m building will be located in the South County Business Park in Leopardstown, bringing the total capital investment in Ireland to €1 billion.

The move will see the firm leave the Atrium building in Sandyford Industrial Estate, where it has been located since 2002, and two buildings in Leopardstown. It is expected the transfer of staff to the new building will be complete by the end of 2017.

Staff were being informed of the details at a company meeting.

Microsoft Ireland's managing director Cathriona Hallahan said it would allow closer co-operation across the teams and allow them to work closer together to meet the needs of customers, with sales teams, developers and engineers collaborating.

The campus will be located close to Leopardstown race course, with plans to have walking and running trails near the building.

Technology will be embedded throughout the building., Microsoft said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcomed the announcement, describing it as “truly significant”.

Ms Hallahan said it was fitting that Microsoft made a further commitment to its Irish operations as it celebrated its 30 anniversary here.

“Having grown from a small manufacturing facility with less than 100 people in 1985 to what we are today, we have a strong track record of continual investment in Ireland,” she said. “The €134 million investment in a modern home for our team underpins our long term commitment to Ireland.”