project capability document · 2016-12-11 · microsemi ireland microsemi – makers of power...
TRANSCRIPT
Liz O’COnneLL | Relationship ManageR
suite 1, Áras smith o’Brien, Phone +353 (0) 65 6897979
Bank place, ennis, email [email protected]
Co. Clare, ireland. Website www.eko.ie
- a natural place to work
Project Capability Document
‘Welcome to Crannóg, a
bold new step in creating an
uplifting work environment
that will focus bright minds
and channel productive
energies.
In the following document
we hope to give the reader
a real sense of why this
location should be seriously
considered as a place to
live and work while optimising
the needs of the company
it supports.’eugene Keane, CeO eKO integrated Services
Microsemi
‘Even though we are substantially a manufacturing site, more than half of our workforce have third level degrees... I have no doubt that gives us a competitive edge.’Richard Finn | Vice President Group Operations & General Manager
Microsemi ireland
Microsemi – makers of power semi-conductors for high value
niche markets employing 270 people in Ennis, Co. Clare.
Microsemi is listed on the Nasdaq, has over $1 billion turnover
and the Ennis office is hotly tipped to be Microsemi’s new
European Headquarters.
Crannóg story is one with a difference...
It is inspired by a team with a vision to create a natural workspace that will revolutionise
the way in which we work. The well-being of people is at its philosophical core creating
inspiration and productivity for its workforce. Ultra modern in design, Crannóg is infused
with an identity that connects the past to the future with green energy its raison d’etre.
The proposed building is light-filled, airy, aesthetically pleasing, yet functional, versatile
and free-flowing. Strategically located close to the university cities of Limerick and
Galway, Crannóg has easy access to road, rail and international air connectivity. In
the heart of the Atlantic Technology Corridor, the Shannon Energy Valley and business
clusters, it potentially stands on its own landscaped site of 13 acres.
High calibre local graduates are diverse, committed and in supply. The nearby
universities have excellent teaching reputations and are focused on innovation and
industry-led research and development. In addition the country’s tax regime is highly
attractive with a range of tax credits and provisions on offer to corporations wishing to
set-up in the region.
Quality of life abounds. Ennis is a bustling town steeped in history and culture. It has a
lifestyle appeal for families and individuals, with modern educational, cultural, leisure
and business facilities. Its spectacular hinterland is within a 30 minute drive from the
Atlantic coast, has superb attractions, signature designed golf courses and traditional
music imbued in its psyche.
Key to Crannóg story is the passion, integrity and expertise of the EKO team. We
facilitate every step of the way through to turnkey delivery with a value for money
approach and low risk options. Committed to green energy and sustainable design,
EKO will work with you to realise and hand over a world class facility that will inspire
your future success.
[ 1 ]
loc
atio
n
GALWAY
DOOLIN
BALLYVAUGHAN
KILLALOE
LIMERICK CITY
MOUNTSHANNON
TULLA
DROMOLAND CASTLE
BUNRATTYCASTLE
Shannon Airport
Ennis
ShannonRiver
N18
GALWAY CITY
GALWAY
CLARE
LIMERICK
TIPPERARY
LAHINCH
N24
GORT
N18
NUIG
GMIT
UL
LIT
ARAN ISLANDS
KILRUSH
KILKEE
DOONBEG GOLF CLUB
Car Ferry
Route From Galway
Route From Limerick & Ennis
Golfing
KERRY
i
P
P
P
P
Gort Rd
N18 Bypass
SCARRIFF
BODYKE
Strategic Location
Crannóg Centre is located on a 13.201 acre greenfield
site on the northern outskirts of Ennis, the administrative
capital and county town of Clare. Although set in alluring
landscape in an area once known as the field of the elm
trees, bordered to the west by the scenic Ballyalla Lake and
to the north west by hilly pastures and dense woodlands,
it is within earshot of the bustle and hum of a large vibrant
urban town.
Immediately close to other business parks, Crannóg Centre
forms part of a community of diverse business outlets and
offices yet potentially stands on its own extensive landscaped
grounds in a contempory architecturally designed campus.
It has ease of access and car parking and is removed from
the pressures of traffic queues and back ups.
‘Ireland means business for the world with 960 foreign companies employing 135,000 workers.’
Mid-west of Ireland
[ 2 ] [ 3 ]
loc
atio
n
Located on the R458 secondary road between
Ennis and Barefield, the Centre is within a two
minute drive of the Limerick, Shannon, Ennis,
Galway motorway, an infrastructure that has
dramatically improved in recent years. The new
675 metre Limerick Tunnel under the River Shannon
and forming part of the N18 on the southern ring
route has improved access times for commuters to
Shannon Airport, Galway, Dublin and Cork.
Crannóg Centre’s strategic location is enhanced
by its central position between the two urban
nuclei of Limerick and Galway both wonderfully
served by Universities and Third Level Institutes and
supported by high quality research centres and
specialist business incubation units.
The site is owned by a consortium managed by
EKO Integrated Services.
It is also central to the Shannon Energy Valley, an evolving hub for a world class cluster of
sustainable energy related activities. The Shannon Region is primed for this initiative based
on large-scale coal, oil and gas generating stations along with excellent grid connectivitiy
infrastructure already in place and a liquid gas terminal under construction. In addition by
2020 a €10 billion investment in windfarms in Ireland will mostly be evident within one hour of
the Shannon Energy Valley.
The centre is within minutes drive from Business Parks in Ennis and Shannon, where the Shannon
Free Zone accommodates over 100 companies employing over 6,000 people returning an
annual sales figure of €3bn. Crannóg Centre is situated within the Atlantic Technology Corridor
whose focus is to amass clusters of enterprises with international linkages and at its core is the
economic growth and development of the Mid-west of Ireland region.
Crannóg Centre is within a 15 minute drive from Shannon International Airport providing
regular access to the UK, Europe and the USA. Shannon Airport is the first airport in the world to
offer full US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance facilities to airlines travelling to
the USA and is aiming to achieve a refuelling and pre-clearance turn around time of 1 hour for
private jets. Crannóg Centre is also near Ennis Railway station with direct services to Limerick
and Galway and connecting services to Dublin, Cork and other parts of Ireland.
Half of the world’s fleet of leased aircraft are managed from Ireland
It is also central to the Shannon Energy Valley, an evolving hub for a world class cluster of sustainable energy related activities.
[ 4 ] [ 5 ]
vision
Vision & Philosophy
The vision for Crannóg Centre is to create a state of the art building for a high
end working community and a centre of excellence for a cluster of similar type
operations with research facilities and supports, generating new business and an
enhanced econony for the town of Ennis and Co. Clare. The project concept is
to develop a sustainable centre with work and office space powered by green
electricity generated by wind and bio-mass. Rain water harvesting is a condition of
the planning permission.
Its location in a suitable climate, cooled by the Atlantic winds, supports the
sustainable dimension of the project and the harvesting of abundant natural
resources. It also has easy access to appropriately qualified graduates, reputable
academic research centres and benefits from being at the centre of a green
energy hub.
the concept is to develop a sustainable centre with work and office space powered by green electricity generated by wind and bio-mass.
Rooted in the philosophy of people first and sensitive to
the environment and the site’s historical heritage, the
focus of the building design is to create an aesthetic and
functional space that is both inspiring and productive.
Light filled with natural ventilation the vision is to optimise
the internal and external environment that can generate
within it a proactive and successful business dynamic in
both planned and informal spaces.
At Crannóg the philosophy is simply ‘people first’
A large scale plan, the potential measurements of the
building are 266,776 ft2. In addition to its scale and high
quality design the plan can be tailored to suit clients’
needs. The master plan is flexible with the option to adapt
units or blocks as required. Our focus is to provide clean,
safe and healthy employee work spaces with sustainable
materials and eco friendly components. The site has full
planning permits and consents from the local authority.
It has excellent road frontage appropriately distanced
from the R458 road from Ennis to Barefield.
[ 6 ] [ 7 ]
de
sign
Crannóg Centre is close to the site of a ‘Fulacht Fiadh’ (Hunters
Cooking Site) used by hunting parties from the early Bronze Age
right up to the Elizabethan period. A rectangular hole was dug in
low-lying land where water was easily accessible. This was clad on
four sides with wooden sections. Stones heated on the campfire
were then used to boil the water in the wooden trough. A joint of
meat, usually venison, was then wrapped in straw and put into the
boiling water and cooked for a designated period.
No other direct evidence of settlement or notable feature is
recorded on the site but on adjacent lands there is evidence of
Crannóg settlements. Crannógs were used as dwellings over five
millennia from the Neolithic period in Europe to as late as the
17th/early 18th century. The design of the development takes into
account the connection with these features while sensitively and
seamlessly incorporating the facilities into the site.
Respect for the land and the site was a priority from the beginning
and recognition of its heritage underpinned Crannóg development.
An archaeologist was engaged at an early stage of design to
honour its ancient heritage. Likewise, a Shaman was engaged
to align the natural energy of the site in preparation for the new
buildings. As one of the oldest traditions on earth, Shamanism helps
us to connect to nature, the energy of the earth and the deepest
part of our beings.
‘Ennis is potentially one of the
strongest FDI locations in the West
of Ireland. Value for money, a
dynamic workforce, state of the art
facilities, R&D capability and energy
initiatives give Ennis an edge
that is hard to beat but it is the
willingness of authorities, agencies
and the business communities to
welcome, encourage and assist
FDI in Ennis, that a company
considering relocation will find most
compelling.’Rita Mcinerney | CeO, ennis Chamber of Commerce
[ 8 ] [ 9 ]
Design & Facil it ies
Crannóg design is about visibility onto a public road from all buildings while those
at the rear perimeter of the site are back dropped by an elevated hill. Blocks “A”
and “E” are the bookends of the development and each has glazed elevations
facing the road and site itself. Each of these blocks are three storeys in height
and will be constructed around central stair and lift cores leaving all office areas
with the advantage of perimeter glazing.
the building stretches to four storeys with cantilevered floor plates over a central courtyard and a large external balcony to a penthouse office suite.
Block “D” is the largest block on the site extending to 135,333 ft2 and is
partially glazed from floor to ceiling. This block is split by a semi external
stairway leading to a separate access on each floor level potentially
allowing for the sub-division of departments/businesses. On the left of
this stair core, the building stretches to four storeys with cantilevered
floor plates over the central courtyard and a large external balcony to
the fourth floor penthouse office suite. The main restaurant/café for the
development will be named “Fulacht Fiadh” and can be positioned in
this block.
To the right of the featured external stairway are three storeys of space
with sufficient access, glazing and ceiling heights to allow for almost any
configuration of office, laboratory or workspace. The featured stairway
continues to the third level from where the fourth floor is accessed
internally by lift and stairs. From this third level a glazed sky-walk is designed
(if required) leading to Block “C” and the stairway itself is crossed over at
third floor level with another glazed skyway visible on the front elevation.
Block “C” extends to 35,083 ft2 and currently is proposed to be a large
box type structure extending to 39.37 ft in height with a glazed elevation
facing onto the courtyard and excellent rear access for delivery of large
or bulky goods. This building could be used as a data centre and can also
be extended to the adjoining Block “B” if necessary.
site plan
de
sign
[ 10 ] [ 11 ]
de
sign
Block “B” is one of the main architectural features of the
development. A 30 ft high glazed curved elevation with a
steel pergola type canopy extends from its elevation for 20 ft
over a similar width paved concourse. Connected to Block
“C” it has potential for a data centre type development.
The design feature allows for the opportunity to make visible
the internal work at the centre or the display of complex
machinery in action. The building has a footprint of 30,650.20
ft2 and the first floor to the front elevation extends to
16,554 ft2.
Buildings are designed around a main courtyard and all
common areas will be completed to the highest landscaping
designs and finishes. In the centre of the courtyard is a
distinctive water feature and benches will be suitably
placed around this feature providing a space to nurture the
reflective and creative aspects of our lives.
At EKO Integrated Services we are passionate about
where we work. We believe that it should be aligned with
our energy to allow and empower individuals to produce
their best possible results. At Crannóg we have developed
a proposal that allows the development of a vibrant
connected community. The indoor and outdoor space is
thoughtfully created with the wellbeing of people in mind.
The narrow footprint and tall proportions of the buildings
are designed to flexibly accommodate both open and
private environments. Through the use of healthy materials
and access to daylight, views, and abundant fresh air, the
design seeks to create an effective workplace, promoting
the occupants’ health and well-being. With a commitment
to design sustainability, the office headquarters embodies,
and colorfully celebrates both global and local diversity
and cultures.
The building will be a flexible workplace filled with glare-
free daylight, fresh air and abundant connections to the
outdoors, serviced by systems that, in time, will use only
renewable resources managed in a sustainable manner.
Sustainable Workspace
... a space to nurture the reflective and creative aspects of our lives.
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Cloud Computing
In light of the phenomenal development of computer technology
driven by the global economy and business growth, the demand for
highly specialised centres for the storage and manipulation of data is
vigorous. Cloud computing is being promoted to reduce cost, minimise
risk, improve service and relieve the burden placed on IT departments to
optimise performance and system availability within their facilities.
Data centres can be located anywhere in the world but the critical
factors include the availability of energy and connectivity with particular
emphasis on lower carbon and greenhouse gas footprint. The following
sections on green technology, telecommunications and direct fibre
optic infrastructure, highlight the strengths of Crannóg Centre as a
potential cloud computing / data centre.
green technology, telecommunications and direct fibre optic infrastructure, highlight the strengths of Crannóg as a potential cloud computing/data centre.
Crannóg Centre has developed a strong partnership with Aurora Telecom to
ensure a seamless integration of the occupier’s IT requirements into the local
infrastructure. It is selected as the lead supplier of telecommunications to the
Centre. A designated cable route has also been determined while relevant
design and appropriate permissions from the Local Authority are provisionally
put in place to ensure speedy delivery.
Aurora Telecom
Aurora Telecom is a carrier-neutral operator specialising in Dark Fibre services
for customers seeking a future proof high bandwidth solution. Aurora is focused
on the design and build of bespoke dedicated fibre network solutions. Aurora’s
unique and flexible approach means that organisations can own and control
their networks, ensuring that security, high bandwidth and resilience are
guaranteed.
Since its inception in June 2000, Aurora has been increasingly recognised as the
leading provider of Dark Fibre network to carriers and service providers. Aurora
also provides private Dark Fibre to large corporate, public sector and financial
services organisations. Aurora offers an end-to-end service that includes
consultation, network planning, rapid deployment and comprehensive support.
The innovative ways in which Aurora has deployed the latest technologies and
advanced techniques has enabled it to provide a resilient, flexible and secure
ultra-high bandwidth network solution.
Telecommunications
[ 14 ] [ 15 ]
wo
rkforc
e
A division of Bord Gáis Éireann, Aurora combines telecommunications
expertise with that of advanced network design, construction and
project management to offer a best-in-class fibre network. Aurora has
completed large network projects for the majority of service providers in
Dublin. Some of the information is subject to Non Disclosure Agreements
but listed below are a sample of some projects:
1. Aurora recently rolled out a 330km national fibre network
linking Dublin to the west of Ireland. This project was completed
in April 2011 on time and on budget.
2. Aurora completed a full 8-core fibre ring topology network
for a large government agency on time and on budget.
3. Aurora’s Dublin network was selected as the core and access
network for Magnet Business. It is operated on a long term lease
and to date Aurora undertakes all their connections and
maintenance services.
In addition to Aurora’s Dark Fibre product, Aurora plans to launch a
Managed Bandwidth Service in Q2 2012. Managed Bandwidth focuses
on the provision of fully managed point-to-point connectivity. This
typically includes the provision of specific packages of bandwidth, e.g.
100Mb/s, 1Gb/s, 2.5 Gb/s up to 40Gb/s.
Specifically in relation to Crannóg Centre, Aurora’s National Network
from Dublin to Ennis via Galway is located a short distance from the
Crannóg facility and therefore Aurora is ideally placed to provide
services to the development. There are numerous providers with access
to the site including; BT, Eircom and wireless providers. There is also an
option of having a global network provider such as BT or Verizon connect
global sites via MPLS cloud or similar. Most Tier 1 providers can connect
over Aurora’s Dark Fibre.
www.auroratelecom.ie
Workforce
One of the crowning strengths of Crannóg Centre and Ennis, Co. Clare as a location,
has been the high calibre of the region’s workforce. The quality, diversity and supply
of workforce skills have and continue to be central to driving business growth in this
region so necessary for long term productivity and competitiveness.
According to a recent Western Development Commission (WDC) Employment &
Unemployment Update the Western Region’s labour force was 357,000 people In
the first quarter of 2010. Since the peak of the economic boom (2007) the region
experienced a 1% decline in its labour force, less than the drop in the rest of the State
(-2.8%).’ The WDC is a statutory body promoting economic and social development
in Clare, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo & Donegal.
number of males and females in the Western Region’s labour force
Q1 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010
Source: CSO, Quarterly national Household Survey, Q1 2010, Table 1, Special Run
0
50
100
150
200
250
2001 2004
Males
2007 2010
Females
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wo
rkforc
e
Despite the recession and the consequent higher levels of unemployment,
the current more challenging national and regional labour market
continues to supply workforce, particularly third level graduates with
work experience and foreign languages. The Expert Group on Future Skills
Needs (EGFSN), an advisory group to the Irish Government is focusing on
the appropriate provision of skilled workers in the labour market ensuring
that labour requirements are both anticipated and met.
The critical mass of companies and clusters of companies including
services, call centres, bio medical/engineering, technology & computing
including cloud computing has made Ireland and the Mid West Region
more marketable for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). It continues to provide
an excellent business and working environment for US corporations eager
to access the European market.
According to a Report by one of Ireland’s largest law firms, Matheson
Ormsby Prentice, issued to coincide with President Barack Obama’s visit
to Ireland in late May 2011, skilled workforce is emphasised in the key
findings of their Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) index. ‘When compared
with other European, Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries, Ireland
scored the best when it came to corporate tax rates and regimes, interest
rates, government incentives, physical infrastructure and IT environment
and access to a pool of skilled labour at appropriate levels.’
Over 3,000 students study at second level in the town of Ennis alone
most of whom go on to study at universities and institutes of technology
throughout the country but by far the greater percentage avail of the
superb educational facilities and supports in the local cities of Limerick
and Galway. In the 2011 Census for Co. Clare issued by the Central
Statistics Office, the county has reached the highest population figure in
over a century. The current figures are 116,885 people reflecting a 5.3%
increase from the previous Census, with Ennis town figures reaching 20,209
up 1% from 2006.
Education & Research Facil it ies
A wide range of institutions in Ireland provide third level education and
include universities, colleges of technology and colleges of education
with the Mid West of Ireland being well served by all of these. First
classified in 1989 as a University, the University of Limerick is a college
of 11,000 students. On a campus of 133 hectares, 46 are located north
of the River Shannon in County Clare and called the Clare Campus
while €130 million has been committed at the University to research
infrastructure.
The focus of the University of Limerick is geared towards meeting the
needs of industry with the provision where possible of the relevant
technical skills and business aptitudes. Employment of graduates from
the University of Limerick alone is 8% higher than the national average
with 90% of graduates entering employment or further education within
six months....provides an excellent business and working environment for US corporations eager to access the European market.
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e
‘A strong sense of local connection to
our communities is a defining feature
of the University of Limerick and I fully
appreciate that we have a responsibility
to promote economic, educational,
social and cultural development,
particularly in the Shannon region.’
Professor Don Barry | President University of Limerick
Pioneering & Connected | Strategic Plan 2011-2015
The Limerick Institute of Technology was awarded the
Sunday Times Institute of the Year in 2008-2009. It prides
itself in the philosophy of active learning where hands-on
programmes run side by side with theory and practice. The
undergraduate and graduate programmes are specifically
targeted to meet the current national and international
employment needs.
[A] vital dimension of our mission is that
we work from a distinctive educational
philosophy of active learning throughout
our programmes, in all disciplines and
at all levels. This ensures that we stay
firmly in touch with the needs of industry
and the community in the regions we
serve.Dr. Maria Hinfelaar | Director Limerick institute of Technology
The National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) has a distinguished reputation in education
spanning over 160 years. Its particular claim is their research strategy and the development of
research clusters that are challenging, viable and regionally and nationally relevant. They also
engage in research alliances and collaborations which they believe are critical to Ireland’s
transition into the knowledge economy.
‘NUIG is a leading international research-intensive university
ranked in the top 250 universities of the world.’Dr. James J. Browne | President national University of ireland Galway
GMIT (Galway Mayo Institute of Technology) has five outreach locations in the West of Ireland
with a strong international focus and links to 100 centres of higher education throughout
Europe. In addition to the undergraduate, apprentice and post graduate programmes, it
provides a range of consultancy services in partnership with the business community.
‘The Institute looks outwards and seeks to respond to the need
of its region through programmes of applied research and
development, the establishment of a regional innovation hub,
support for entrepreneurship and the provision of relevant and
current professional development for the workforce.’
Dr. Michael Carmody | President Galway Mayo institute of Technology
Your Place - Your Future | Strategic Development Plan 2010-2015
[ 20 ] [ 21 ]
lifestyle
Ennis is a charming medieval town of over 20, 000 people with intimate narrow
streets, quaint winding lanes and old colourful shop fronts. A riverside town,
the Fergus is a natural and integral part of Ennis. Rich in cultural heritage, the
Franciscan Abbey dating back to the 13th century is an architectural gem while
the monument to Daniel O’Connell, Ireland’s Liberator stands proudly in the
town’s square.
The modern town is bright, busy and bustling. It boasts a state of the art cultural
& theatre centre, Glór and a seven screen Movieplex Cinema. Ennis Leisure
Complex has a variety of fitness facilities including a 25m swimming pool while
the Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park located on 135 acres of woodland walks
and nature trails, has an all weather pitch and cross country running track. In
addition there are three private gyms and swimming pools and of course there’s
hurling thought to be one of the worlds oldest games!
Ennis is alive with young people. Walk the streets of Ennis at lunchtime or after
school on any day during term and the future of the county is in no doubt.
They are bright, capable, sporty, artistic and full of fun. Schools at all levels are
of a high standard with music, speech and drama and dance classes readily
available. In addition the availability of quality third level education on their
doorstep is highly attractive with the option of going further afield if students so
choose.
Ennis is alive with young people... They are bright, capable, sporty, artistic and full of fun.
Quality of Life
Clare is a haven for outdoor leisure. 11 golf courses dot
the county from world renowned seaside links to parkland
courses. The breathtaking Greg Norman designed
Doonbeg Golf Course on the rugged west coast of Clare
to the traditonal ‘out and back’ links of Lahinch provide
spectacular rounds for both the pro and amateur. Lough
Derg is a superb fishing and boating lake and the most
southern of the Shannon system. And of course there is
traditional music in the very fibre of our being.
Or there is sailing on the lakes of Cullaun or Lough Derg,
surfing on the giant waves of Lahinch or Spanish Point or
horse riding through woodland and countryside trails. For
more robust excitement visit Thomond Park, Limerick, home
of the famed Munster Rugby team & 2011 Magners League
Winners and just a twenty five minute drive away.
“the first 10 holes at Lahinch are some of the coolest links holes I’ve ever played,”Stewart Cink | American professional golfer
[ 22 ] [ 23 ]
The Ennis hinterland is a magical landcape. From the
wilderness of the Burren National Park to the spectacular
Cliffs of Moher, from the much visited Poulnabrone Dolmen
to the authentic Bunratty Castle with Bunratty Folk Park close
by, it is a county to slowly savour.
Dromoland Castle, once the stately ancestral home of the
direct descendants of the 10th century High King of Ireland,
Brian Boru, blends the old world with contempory luxury in
impeccable parkland surroundings. Adare Manor across
the county boundary in Limerick is another splendid ediface
- a Neo Gothic 19th Century Manor House with extensive
grounds and golf course.
Corporate facilities for small or large business gatherings
in modest to luxurious surroundings is accessible close to
Ennis and Crannóg Centre.
Closest is the Templegate Hotel right in the heart of town.
Once a convent and chapel, a major redevelopment
has made it an attractive conference venue. The Brian
Boru Corporate Centre at Dromoland Castle is set in
graceful gothic surroundings with a support team of
qualified professionals.
Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick offers four state of
the art event suites with glass facades and panoramic
views of the rugby stadium and pitch. On the west
coast of Clare at Doonbeg Golf, its corporate facilities
offers natural-lit meeting areas, private fine dining and
executive business centre facilities.
Conference Facil it ies
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eko
[ 25 ]
eko
EKO Integrated Services
EKO is an Ennis, Co. Clare based partnership whose remit is to identify and
deliver large scale business, commercial and infrastructural projects. It facilitates
the process and stages of complex projects through the provision of expertise
in specialist professional areas from concept generation, forward planning
and collaboration through phased delivery in conjunction with national and
international associates.
EKO is the pivot around which these projects evolve. It seeks to expedite turnkey
delivery through knowledge and experience of the Irish bureaucratic landscape
eliminating the delays and frustrations associated with such projects. EKO’s focus
is on monitoring costs including those of professionals and suppliers to ensure a
value for money approach. Its expertise is in stakeholder management, leading
the process and providing the lowest risk option.
Our work includes development restructuring, commercial expansion,
telecommunications and energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects &
residential and educational developments. We focus on an integrated approach
and the delivery of projects and providing an extensive business network. Our
combined professional experience is in renewable energy developments,
planning, architecture, building and property management providing optimum
project execution and client service.
Our website address is www.eko.ie
EKO staff has been involved in developing the Crannóg concept from the beginning. Every aspect
of its development is familiar from planning through design. There is a passion and expertise within
this team, who are established achievers in their fields, to realise the vision and deliver a high class
business centre for clients and the community.
n facilitate a smooth, hassle-free transition
for start-up entities relocating to Ireland or
expanding existing operations
n provide a unique ‘end to end’ service for
companies including financial, architectural,
engineering, construction and project
management
n commission a competent design team,
based on the client’s brief, and providing a
quality project management service handling
all aspects of project development from the
planning process to handover including the
compliance of all planning conditions and
building regulations
n work closely with established sub-
contractors and design team and fit
requirements in-house within an agreed
budget
n provide all relevant documentation
throughout the construction of the build
including electricity and telecom permits,
engineer and fire certificates
n a very high standard of professional
service and ensure that our client’s best
interests are central to everything we do. We
acknowledge and respect the client’s
point of view, recognise and appreciate the
investment they are making and
consistently endeavour not just to meet their
requirements but to exceed their
expectations when and where possible
n provide a dedicated Stakeholder
Relationship Manager who ensures that all
client reporting requirements are met and a
timely resolution of any client concerns
n endeavour to maintain the highest
standards, understand the client’s need for a
settling in period and handle and resolve any
issues that arise in the interim
In this context, EKO offers the following:
Crannóg is being developed with the support of all state agencies including Clare County Council who are pro-development and support all existing and new business. EKO will organise all meetings with relevant council officials and management.
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nc
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I reland Taxation Advantages
Management
At EKO our focus is firmly fixed on the client’s future and our facilities management
capability is about far more than bricks and mortar. It covers security, energy, fire
prevention, cleaning, lighting, finance, furniture - and whatever is necessary to
create a workplace that delivers on safety, efficiency and sustainability.
We are not only about ensuring that the facility is ‘fit for purpose’ rather we
strive to ensure that the work environment can adapt to the changes in client
requirements. We know the dynamics of business and understand that change
management is necessary to meet unforeseen challenges and for survival.
An active management company will be established to ensure that the highest
standards are maintained at the Centre and that it is the most cost effective
option for the client(s). Occupier representatives will join the management team
and a service charge at minimum cost will be paid for security, landscaping,
maintenance and public liability insurance. The management company will
work closely with the occupiers on an on-going basis to ensure the smooth
running of the Centre.
At EKO Integrated Services we will incorporate your projected needs into our
programme of works to ensure that the workplace is maintained and developed
in line with your requirements. We are a seamless part of your management
team and we are passionate about delivering a high quality workplace so that
your team is optimally placed to achieve its vision.
We know the dynamics of business and understand that change management is necessary to meet unforeseen challenges and for survival.
In recent years Ireland has emerged as a favoured
onshore location for multi national or global companies
establishing regional or global headquarters to manage the
profits, functions, and shareholdings associated with their
international business.
The key features of Ireland’s tax regime that have lead to
it becoming a preferred location for these organisations
include:
12.5% corporate tax rate for active businessand 25% Research & Development (R&D) tax credit.
General Advantages
n 12.5% corporate tax rate for active business.
This is one of the lowest onshore corporation
tax rates in the world
n 25% Research & Development (R&D) tax credit.
This tax credit can be treated as an “above
the line” disclosure under Irish GAAP
(Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)
and US GAAP (in situations where the R&D tax
credit is capable of being monetized)
n an intellectual property (IP) regime which
provides a tax write-off for broadly defined
IP acquisitions
n an EU - approved stable tax regime, with access
to extensive treaty network and EU Directives.
Ireland has double taxation agreements with
55 countries and this number is continuously
growing
n generous domestic law withholding
tax exemptions
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Advantages for Holding Companies:
There is a range of tax provisions that are beneficial to organisations establishing their global
or regional headquarters in Ireland. These include:
For a more comprehensive review of the taxation provisions that relate to international business locating in ireland
please refer to the iDA (industrial Development Authority) publication entitled “iDA Tax Brochure 2010”.
Further advice is available on request.
‘My Department intends to boost the international standing
of Ireland as a leading centre for scientific and research
excellence and to provide a framework to demonstrate
the world class research system that we have built over the
last decade and welcome the participation of over seas
companies.’Richard Bruton - Minister for enterprise, Jobs & innovation (10th May 2011)
At EKO Integrated Services we are passionate about energy. It’s one area where businesses
can make huge progress that will benefit all of us – and future generations. Organisations,
for whom energy is a major cost and where markets are intensely competitive, know well
that their development and sustainability depends hugely on the effectiveness of energy
policies and practices.
Ireland’s energy policy does not set merely dutiful and defensive goals. These goals are potentially transformational and central to these goals is energy efficiency.
In these times, it is more imperative than ever that we create an energy efficient economy.
In early 2009, Ireland’s Government published the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan
2009-2020 (NEEAP). It plots the path to an ambitious but achievable national energy
efficiency gain of 20% by 2020.
The goal for the industrial and commercial sector in NEEAP is to deliver on its savings targets
and, in the process, build a growing international reputation for energy efficient practices,
innovation and competitiveness. In this, the LIEN (Large Industry Energy Network) network,
supported by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland) is playing a huge part. It is
an excellent example of how government and business can work together to build our
new economy.
Green Technology
n Capital gains tax participation exemption
on disposal of qualifying shareholdings
n Effective exemption for foreign dividends
via 12.5% tax rate for qualifying foreign
dividends and flexible foreign tax credit system
n Double tax relief available for tax suffered
in foreign branches and pooling provisions for
unused credits
n No dividend withholding tax to treaty
countries (or intermediary subsidiaries) under
domestic law
n Access to treaties to minimise withholding
tax on royalties and interest and further
domestic legislation provisions to minimise
withholding tax on interest
n Extensive treaty network & access to EU
directives
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With more than 135 member companies, representing two-thirds of industrial
energy use and tens of thousands of jobs, the network continues to grow in
achievement and influence as it identifies and harnesses new energy-efficiency
opportunities. It has led the way in showing how energy efficiency yields not only
substantial savings in energy costs and CO2 emissions, and brings greater cost
competitiveness, it has also shown how energy efficiency projects can lead to
greater process efficiency and product quality.
The price of energy is one of the most critical issues facing large energy users,
which Government has been quick to act upon. The Government has brought
about increased competition in energy supply. Energy prices are now close, or
often below, the European averages. Overall, electricity and gas prices have
fallen at a faster rate than in the EU in general, while meeting the 2010 target of
15% of electricity generation being met from renewable sources.
Energy prices are now close, or often below, the European averages. Overall, electricity and gas prices have fallen at a faster rate than in the EU
500
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
244GWh 334 388 454 655 1112 1622 1958 2410 2955
0
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
Wind-sourced electricity in ireland, 2000 – 2009
Source eirGrid & SeAi ePSSU.
Wind Energy accounted for 63% of renewable sourced electricity in 2008 and 73% in 2009.
However, as we look forward to 2013 and the next phase of the EU
Emissions Trading Scheme, the challenge of cutting CO2 emissions, while
remaining competitive, remains testing. Large energy users are thus
increasingly exploring the viability of renewable energy sources. Options
include biomass technology, anaerobic digestion and wind generation.
At a time of much negativity, all these efforts to ensure energy efficiency
are models of the kind of actions taken to ensure a positive future. A
significant development in 2009 was the launch of a new Energy Efficiency
Competency Centre (I2E2), funded by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland,
and with participation from SEAI. This is focusing on world class industry -
education research investigating energy efficiency solutions and related
opportunities with the potential to develop commercially from Ireland.
It is no coincidence that founding members of the Centre are LIEN and/
or Energy Agreements members, drawing on their years of experience
in energy management and pooling their expertise in the quest to solve
common problems in conjunction with research partners. This type of
collaborative initiative by State bodies is especially welcome and has the
prospect of making a real contribution towards developing Ireland as a
smart green economy.
In embracing energy management, strategic responses, and new and
improved technologies, these LIEN companies are setting an example for
the rest of Irish and International business and for us all. Once again, they
have more than justified the Government’s continued support for large
energy users and the assistance that is offered through SEAI.
EKO Integrated Services seeks to apply the same resolve and
professionalism to saving energy, cutting costs and ensuring cost-
competitiveness. This will help to ensure that Crannóg Centre is a truly
sustainable world class work place based on innovative principles and
best practice.
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100
0
200
300
400
500
C02 g/k Wh
600
700
800
900
1000
19901992
19941000
19962000
20022004
20062008
electricity emission Factors – ireland 1990 - 2009
*Source: Sustainability energy Authority of ireland,
The above graph shows the progressive lowering of emission factors associated
with Irish Electricity Generation.
Projected Figures for 2010/2020 | Grid Average emissions in 2010 are heading
for 474g/kWh with projected Grid Average in 2020 of 394g/kWh (Source; eSB ecars)
Ireland leads the way in terms of integrating green energy in an international grid
context. A new quarter-hourly record for the amount of electricity generated
by Ireland’s wind farms was also achieved. The output of Ireland’s wind farms
reached its 2009 peak of 1064MW on October 24th with enough power generated
at that time to supply over 600,000 homes. At times towards the end of 2009, the
amount of wind power on the system was meeting 45% of the national electricity
demand with no issues reported by EirGrid, the Irish transmission system operator.
Crannóg Centre has developed a strong partnership with Aurora Telecom to
ensure a seamless integration of the occupier’s IT requirements into the local
infrastructure. It is selected as the lead supplier of telecommunications to the
Centre. A designated cable route has also been determined while relevant
design and appropriate permissions from the Local Authority are provisionally
put in place to ensure speedy delivery.
Table B. CO2 emissions factors per supplier for 2008
Supplier
Airtricity
Bord Gais
eSB CS
eSB ie
energia
Aughinish Alumina
eSB Pgen
CHP Supply
Dan Twomey Waterpower
Quinn Ltd
Slievereagh
Vayu
All island
0.142
0.554
0.532
0.565
0.565
0.581
0.581
0.581
0.581
0.581
0.581
0.581
0.533
tCO2/MWh
Disclosure of 2008 Fuel Mix 7 CO2 emissions- CeR/10/022
These figures represent the CO2 emissions for the mix of energy provided by
suppliers to their customers but it is not necessarily represntative of generations
such customers may provide themselves from onsite generation.
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Glossary of Abbreviations
WDC: Western Development Commission
ESB: Electricity Supply Board
EIRCOM: former state owned Irish telecommunications company
LIEN: Large Industrial Energy Network
SEAI: Sustainability Energy Authority of Ireland
IFRS: International Financial Reporting Systems
NEEAP: National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (Ireland)
References
Workforce: Western Development Commission, Central Statistics Office Ireland and Matheson Ormsby Prentice Report 2011
Ireland – World Leader in Green Energy: SEAI and former Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan
Block AFloor Plans & Front Elevation
Site Layout Map - Ground Floor PlanArea: 5.342 Hectares (13.20 Acres)Scale: 1/500
Blo
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AFl
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& F
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block A | 27,602 ft²
block b | 47,204 ft²
block c | 35,083 ft²
block D | 135,333 ft²
block E | 21,554 ft²
ovErAll | 266,776 ft²
BLO
CK
BFF
L: 1
1.00
BLO
CK
CFF
L: 1
1.50
BLO
CK
EFF
L: 1
2.00
BLO
CK
DFF
L: 1
1.50
BLO
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AFF
L: 1
2.00
Blo
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BFi
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loo
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an
Rea
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- Se
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Blo
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BG
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& F
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Ground Floor LayoutGFA 3745.7m2NFA 3362.8m2
Front Elevation
Blo
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CFl
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& F
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Sec
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A-A
Blo
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DG
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de
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Blo
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Building - Development Information
Details Status
n Planning Permits & Development Consents Complete and in Place Sewage
n Surface Water Discharge to contiguous
water course via attenuation
n Potable Water Mains Connection
n electricity Mains (5 MW)
n Mains Gas Natural mains gas locally
(transmission and distribution)
n Telecom Multiple Provider
n Total Area of Building 266,776 ft²
n Total Site Area 13.20 acres / 5.342 Hectares
n Total Hard Standing Area 3.53 Acres / 1.43 Hectares
n Road Access Public Road
n Title Freehold / Leasehold