Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will repeat the point made by others that it is far from ideal when such significant and complex legislation is rushed. This Bill has significant implications, the most significant of which relates to allowing EirGrid to acquire new emergency electricity generation capacity. As Deputy O’Rourke flagged, it is unfortunate that our electricity supply is under such pressure partially as a result of the enormous footprint of data centres. The Bill also increases the borrowing limit of EirGrid and Bord na Móna, a proposal that needs to be considered further. Bord na Móna has a crucial role to play. It also reforms the electricity PSO levy to allow refunds to customers.

I will primarily focus on EirGrid. EirGrid is likely to be one of the most significant semi-State companies over the next 15 to 20 years. It has a crucial role in our climate transition strategy. There is a need to upscale the existing capacity rapidly, not only in electricity generation but also in planning and preparation for oncoming wind energy and other renewables.

My primary point on this legislation, which is one I have repeatedly made to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is that wind, particularly offshore, has enormous potential. Cork Harbour has the potential to become a world leader in offshore wind. To do that, we need to address skills shortages in some areas and we must ensure that rather than having to bring in the bulk of the expertise, we are able to provide it at home and create employment domestically. We need to ensure that those responsible for planning, regulation and related Civil Service modalities are in a position to do so. I have in mind EirGrid, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, the Planning Regulator and everyone who will have a hand in examining applications and ensuring sufficient capacity exists.

I return to the point made by Deputy O'Rourke. The sheer scale of the footprint of data centres is extraordinary. That it is now effectively equivalent to the footprint of rural Ireland represents an extraordinary amount of energy. We need to consider a moratorium on these centres very carefully because they are clearly having a disproportionate impact on electricity supply and, potentially, our future energy security. That must be considered very seriously at this stage.

See this speech in context