Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has raised a fair point. Some people are of the view that we should ban data centres from the country and not allow any more to be built. However, we have to work with them to ensure that we improve our energy security. The Government continues to make major strides in that area in order to ensure our energy supply is secure and, indeed, diverse. Measures such as the Maritime Area Planning Bill, which has passed Second Stage, will help us harness our offshore renewable resources in a more efficient manner. Deputy Howlin is well aware of that too.

To answer the Deputy's question, I will relay his concerns directly to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. The Deputy has made a good suggestion.

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