Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I understand where Opposition Members are coming from. I understand their concern around climate. They are absolutely correct to be as concerned as they are. We are in an existential crisis; on that we are agreed. It is heartening they are displaying ambition in opposition that perhaps some of them did not display before. It is good they are now on record as displaying such ambition. Sadly, their contributions show how poorly informed they are and that is a real concern. We expect a reasonable level of debate in this House from the Opposition and we are not getting that.

The truth is this Bill would be a blunt instrument. A moratorium on data centres would actually hamper progress and hamper development of renewable energy generation across the country, especially in the midlands and west. I do agree somewhat with the approach and the urge for caution. That is correct. We do not want to be in a situation where there is a serious risk of the lights going out. In that regard I agree with my colleagues across the floor. However, in asking for caution it seems Members do not know there is a review that has already begun this year, conducted by EirGrid. I wonder if Opposition Members and parties have contributed to the review. It is ongoing. As I said earlier, the best transmission system operator in the world bar none is EirGrid and it is conducting that review. The very same concerns Members have outlined here, EirGrid has been dealing with for the past number of months.

I will conclude there. The moratorium proposal is absolutely the wrong approach and I urge Members across the House not to support this motion.

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