Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for her comments. The Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with an annual reduction in overall emissions of 7%. This is a challenge and at the same time an opportunity for the Government, agencies and industry stakeholders to work together to achieve a green Ireland.

I have noted the Senator's questions and will take them back to the Minister. Data centres can form part of integrated energy systems as we move forward, as demonstrated by the recently announced and innovative district heating project in Tallaght using waste heat supplied free of charge from a local data centre. It is estimated that once the project is completed, there will be reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the south County Dublin area by nearly 1,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The climate action plan also contains a number of actions related to this area, including that IDA Ireland will use its new strategy to fully integrate decarbonisation objectives across its portfolio of clients. I will take the questions back to the Minister.