Written answers

Thursday, 4 November 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Data Centres

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

55. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way the carbon budget plan for emission cuts of 4.8% each year on 2018 levels to 2025 is compatible with the Government's support for continued data centre expansion and building given these centres’ high energy consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53666/21]

Photo of Aindrias MoynihanAindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied with the pace of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the number of homes expected to have the service available and the actual number achieved at the end of 2020 and to date; the steps he plans to take to increase the pace of the roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53644/21]

Photo of Ruairi Ó MurchúRuairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

71. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53699/21]

Photo of Ossian SmythOssian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 57 and 71 together.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act provides, inter alia,for a maximum amount of emissions to be permitted in different sectors of the economy during a carbon budget period, referred to as ‘sectoral emissions ceilings’. All sectors of the economy will have sectoral emissions ceilings and emissions from data centres will be accounted for within the relevant sectoral emissions ceiling.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 will bring forward policies and measures to support the delivery of the 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, and put us on a pathway to climate neutrality no later than 2050. The Plan will include specific actions for large energy users, including data centres.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is committed to reviewing the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to align with our renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities.This is part of a suite of actions to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, while facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector.

Government is working with the relevant state agencies to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to large developments such as data centres in future taking into account existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.