Economic prospects may be looking bleak following the downturn in the technology sector but there is still plenty of optimism around if the current planning applications are any indication.

Among those to lodge planning applications for technology park development in the Dublin area in recent weeks was international giant, Siemens.

The proposed development is to be located at the company's Ballymoss Road, Sandyford site in south County Dublin. Envisaged is a five-storey science and technology based enterprise building with a floor area of 6,835 sq metres.

The applications suggest the new facility would be used for research and development, handling and processing as well as telemarketing and sales information.

The facility would also be open to software development and data processing, and would have a 15 m high telecommunications mast and antennae situated at roof level, in the northwest corner of the building.

Access to the building is proposed from the Ballymoss Road and 138 car-parking spaces, 120 of which would be in the basement, with 18 surface spaces.

In a separate application a company called Sourcewell of 20 Sandymount Green, Dublin 4, has applied for permission for a technology based facility at Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin Road, Dublin 15.

Envisaged is a two-storey building containing eight office units, and five blocks containing 18 units for science and technology based industry and associated and complementary uses.