Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to touch on data centres, if I may. We know they are a vital piece of modern global infrastructure but it seems to many that Ireland is becoming a hub for these and it is unwelcome. When we take into account they take up vast tracts of land and use large amounts of water and electricity and contribute to our emissions count, they are not often seen as contributing much to the community or seen as something that is welcome. The Irish Examinerreported in November 2020 there were 66 data centres in Ireland and EirGrid had estimated their energy consumption was less than 2% of total electricity demand. EirGrid has also projected this will increase to 29% by 2028. Does An Bord Pleanála have a position on this, given the ongoing debate about the climate Bill and the climate action plan? It is hardly sustainable.