Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when decisions are likely to be made in relation to the identification of suitable sites as locations for the establishment of data centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27331/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In 2017 IDA Ireland appointed Jacobs Engineering, supported by AOS Planning, to identify potential strategic land banks in Ireland that would be particularly suitable for the sustainable development of data centre projects. The study was commissioned to understand what locations in Ireland are best placed to win and sustain this type of investment. The review process was conducted in a number of stages and focused on evaluating all potentially viable land options that are compatible with the complex and ever evolving needs of data centre investments.

The national site evaluation process has now been completed by Jacobs.  As previously indicated the study is for internal IDA Ireland purposes only and is not intended for publication due to its commercial sensitivity.

Over recent years, leading international technology and computing companies have announced significant data centre investments for Ireland and the goal is to ensure that this trend continues. IDA Ireland, supported by the relevant key stakeholders, will continue to highlight credible and flexible property solutions that form part of the competitive value proposition for this sector.