Conditional planning permission has been granted for a large new Amazon data centre development just outside Drogheda.

The new facility will employ up to 400 people during the peak of its construction and once operational will provide permanent jobs for dozens of workers.

The data storage complex will be located in the IDA Business and Technology Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co Meath.

The application was submitted on behalf of Amazon Data Services Ireland Ltd by US firm, CAP Developments LLC.

The plans include the construction of a two storey with mezzanine levels data storage facility building with a maximum overall height of 25 metres.

The gross floor area of the centre will be 28,573 square metres.

The application also includes parking for 50 cars, plus 26 bike spaces.

But with multiple shifts running each day to keep the 24-hour a day operation going, the number of permanent and contract employees is expected to be higher than that.

Other plans include alterations to existing road infrastructure, the installation of 26 emergency generators, an electricity substation, water storage tanks and changes to the site entrance.

The Environmental Impact Assessment for the project stated that it is hoped construction on the first building will begin in the second quarter of this year, with full operation expected in 2023.

The centre that has received planning permission is the first phase of a development of an overall site of 19.46 hectares, according to the planning documents.

The application included an indicative masterplan for the future development of the site.

No objections to the application were received by Meath County Council.