Towards the EU fusion-oriented neutron source: The preliminary engineering design of IFMIF-DONES

•Summary of IFMIF-DONES Preliminary Engineering Design for a generic site is presented.•Design solutions for Test Cell (TC) penetrations and confinement are proposed.•Integrated neutronic analyses in the target area are performed.•Radiation maps and shielding configuration in the TC and surrounding rooms are discussed.•Integration of RH systems and maintenance procedures in the TC are developed.