While the demand in Ireland for large-scale logistics units capable of serving the relentless growth in ecommerce has been led by retail giants Amazon and Penneys, An Post is looking to future-proof its operations as the old world of letters and high-street shopping gives way to digital communication and online and omnichannel retail.

In the latest step in its ongoing modernisation programme, the State’s postal and parcel delivery provider has engaged commercial real estate advisers Sean O’Neill of TWM and Gavin Butler of Savills to act on its behalf to source a new 500,000sq ft (46,451sq m) logistics unit. The proposed facility will require a site of about 35 acres and will be used by An Post as its main processing and distribution facility.

The joint agents are seeking initial expressions of interest from developers with the required land holdings in the Dublin region. While An Post is open to all potential opportunities which have the required access to road networks and flexibility of site-size to satisfy its need, the lands must have easy access to the M50.

Once an expression of interest has been received, a shortlist will be created and an information pack detailing the requirement will be made available to the shortlisted parties.

An Post is open to all forms of transaction and is encouraging developers to present opportunities which will be beneficial to both parties. Once all site options are evaluated, shortlisted parties will be invited to submit an offer on a set date. Offers will be evaluated by a scoring matrix with weightings added to areas of importance to the postal company.