Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Thanks to a parliamentary question submitted by my colleague, Deputy Paul Murphy, we now know that data centres are to be included in the temporary business energy support scheme. Under the scheme, businesses can be compensated for increased electricity and gas bills up to a limit of €10,000 per month. The scheme is to be backdated to September and is expected to run until at least February of next year. There are currently approximately 70 data centres in this State. They are, in very significant measure, responsible for the energy grid crisis in this State and the threat of blackouts this winter. Yet, by my calculations, on the Government's scheme, 70 data centres at €10,000 for six months at a minimum means a potential subsidy of €4.2 million from this State to these companies. Can the Taoiseach tell me and the country that this is not so?

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