Cloud computing giant EMC is seeking planning permission for a new data centre and office block at one of its Cork locations.

The planning application, if successful, will pave the way for an expansion of EMC operations at Ovens.

The company, a global leader in cloud computing and big data analytics, lodged a planning application with Cork County Council on Thursday to develop the site adjacent to its Ovens plant, one of eight global 'centres of excellence.'

The company will have ten years to develop additional facilities at the site if planning is successful.

The application includes plans for a data centre, office block and car parking facilities.

The Ovens site is concerned mainly with company research and development projects, while EMC has two further plants in Cork, at Mahon and Ballincollig.

EMC employs about 3,000 people in Ireland.