Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Let me quote from the recent CRU paper on policy on the connection of data centres:

ESB Networks has highlighted risks that, in the absence of an adequate policy response, the potential level of data centre demand could significantly impact its ability to accommodate demand connections required to support Government policy targets such as 550,000 new homes by 2040 ...

It goes on to give the example that, in west Dublin, the new Castlebaggot station was initially designed to support housing growth, relieve pressure and support industrial growth, as well as future demand. It then states:

However, due to the first come first served connection approach this new capacity at Castlebaggot was almost entirely used by data centres applications, leaving limited capability to support other demand needs in the area.

Therefore, more electricity capacity, or another power station, was added to the grid to assist with housing but it was gobbled up by data centres. What the CRU states is that "it does not have sufficient statutory powers to prioritise certain government policy objectives over others under current legislation". It is asking the Minister to act to state housing should take priority over big tech. Is he going to?

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