Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As he knows, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and EirGrid are working closely with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan's Department to ensure that we have security of supply across this winter and, indeed, into the future and have taken certain steps to ensure that is the case. In regard to data centres, there is a balance to be struck. We, of course, have to recognise the additional pressure that places on the system, but we also have to recognise the success we have had and continue to have in regard to foreign direct investment by companies which would be associated with this space. Sixteen of the top software companies, nine of the top ten US information and communications technology companies, the top ten “born on the web” companies and four of the top five IT services companies are all based in Ireland. There is a balance to be struck. We absolutely have to ensure we have security of supply. The Deputy is well aware of the overall policy of Government, which is ultimately to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to reduce carbon emissions. I think the future in respect of renewables lies offshore. We have put in place another framework that will help us deliver on that in the years ahead.

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