Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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306. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment given that data centres already use a large and growing share of Ireland's resources but create relatively few permanent jobs, his views on the State putting so much of its digital infrastructure and employment risk into what could be called a "data centre basket"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/26]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has taken deliberate and strategic action to position itself as a leading digital economy through a coordinated policy mix encompassing national digital strategies, targeted foreign direct investment, and strong indigenous enterprise growth.

Ireland’s Digital and AI strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects the Government’s determination to harness the full economic potential of digital and AI technologies to drive economic growth and deliver modern, efficient public services.

Research and analysis commissioned by my Department indicates that approximately 20,000 jobs were linked directly to the construction and operation of data centres in 2024. However, this does not capture their wider economic role. The same research finds that data centres underpin core activities across a broad range of sectors, supporting a significant share of Ireland’s GDP and many hundreds of thousands of jobs across the economy.

The Government recognises that data centres are energy-intensive and that their growth must be carefully managed in the context of energy security, grid capacity and climate objectives. A range of policies are in place to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach, including the Government’s Data Centre Policy Statement and the recently introduced Large Energy User Action Plan.

These initiatives promote the co-location of data centres with renewable energy sources, greater regional diversification, and a plan-led approach to infrastructure delivery. This approach is designed to support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy, while also strengthening regional development and alleviating pressure on existing infrastructure.

In this context, the Government is not placing undue reliance on any single sector. Rather, it is ensuring that data centres continue to function as enabling infrastructure for a broad and diverse economy, while proactively managing associated risks in a strategic and sustainable manner.

I will continue to engage with colleagues across Government to ensure that policy in this area maintains an appropriate balance between economic opportunity, energy security and environmental sustainability.

Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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307. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the proposed data centre campus in Ennis, County Clare: if the Government has official figures showing the number of permanent, on-site jobs will be created once the facility is up and running, not including construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/26]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I do not hold any specific details on the proposed data centre campus in Ennis, County Clare, as the developer is not currently a client of the development agencies.

However, based on the typical operation of such facilities, it is expected that, once operational, a data centre of this nature would support a number of high-value roles. These would primarily include positions in engineering, technical operations, and across specialised digital functions, such as cybersecurity and IT systems management.

Research and analysis undertaken on behalf of my Department indicates that there are currently more than 3,000 people employed across operational data centres in Ireland. In addition to direct on-site roles, these facilities also give rise to approximately 3,000 indirect jobs through supply chains (such as maintenance, engineering services, and utilities) and a further 2,000 induced jobs in the wider economy through increased local spending, thereby supporting jobs in areas such as retail, hospitality, and services.

The recent launch of the Government’s Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects our ambition to harness the full potential of digital and AI technologies to drive productivity, support economic growth, and deliver modern and efficient public services.

Data centres play a crucial role in achieving these objectives, providing the core infrastructure required for a successful digital economy. Their presence reinforces Ireland’s attractiveness as a global location for investment and also enables the core activities of many of our existing sectors.

In this context, while specific employment figures are not available, developments such as the data centre campus in Ennis are expected to make a positive contribution to Ireland’s high-value employment base and wider economic and digital ambitions.