Mr. Dave Walsh:

On the first issue, as part of any environmental impact assessment we make a cumulative assessment generally in the area. In the context of a national assessment as to what is a quantum, that is a policy matter more appropriately left to the Government or the relevant Minister to consider. Obviously the fact that data centres above 10,000 sq. m were included as strategic infrastructure, although this provision has not yet commenced, may well signal that smaller centres should more appropriately be dealt with at local level in the first instance. Certainly in the context of the impacts from environmental, traffic and human health perspectives, we look at the wider area but perhaps not at national level. Equally, in the context of environmental impact, we must look at energy consumption and climate change. These are all considerations that are very much to the fore.

I do not have figures to hand to answer the Deputy's second question but I am happy to give her a note on the number of data centres that the board has refused. Obviously they are all appeals. We can give the Deputy information on what the local authority did and whether the board overturned that decision. On the question of multiple applications in a particular area, we can probably give the Deputy details on the numbers. Again, there are certain areas where infrastructure is in place. Obviously there are zoning requirements. These are issues that are a consideration but just because there are already two there does not mean a third one or a whole raft of them necessarily has the capacity to go in or are appropriate in the wider planning context.