Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was reported a fortnight ago that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, advised EirGrid to prioritise connections for data centres in areas where the grid was not already squeezed but the response from An Bord Pleanála regarding the data centres paints a bizarre picture. There was only one data centre An Bord Pleanála did not like and even that was overturned on appeal. It is clear to all of us that data centres will put a significant strain on the grid in the years ahead but there does not seem to be any national oversight of the impact. The intervention of the CRU is welcome but it is hardly a strategy. It is worrying to think of the strain they will put on the grid in the years ahead and the infrastructure not being there. I suggest we bear this in mind when we are compiling on the hearing with An Bord Pleanála.