Facebook eyes up former BoI site

FACEBOOK may take over Bank of Ireland’s former headquarters in Dublin as it looks to double the size of its European base.

It is one option being considered as the social networking giant prepares for a possible $10 billion initial public offering, three people with knowledge of the matter said.

Facebook may move and lease as much as 11,150 sq m of office space in the capital over five years, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is private.

Facebook, which set up its Dublin office in 2008, currently occupies about 5,000 sq m of space in the city’s south docklands neighbourhood, according to one of the people.

The Dublin office is responsible for all of the site’s users outside of the US and Canada.

As well as the former BoI headquarters, Facebook is considering two office blocks in south docklands close to the company’s existing location, the people said.

The deadline for building owners to pitch proposals for the new space was January 13.

Emily Clarke, a spokeswoman for Facebook in London, declined to comment.

Some of the biggest technology companies are expanding in Dublin.

Google Inc, based in Mountain View, California, bought two Dublin buildings that make up its European headquarters in March for an undisclosed price.

Twitter Inc will open an international office in the city, the IDA said in September, marking its third location outside the US.