A Clare environmental campaigner claims an expanded use of data centres means the country will miss its emissions reductions targets on electricity in the Climate Action Plan.
It’s after concerns were raised at a public meeting last evening about the progression of a €1.2 billion facility on the outskirts of Ennis.
The county town’s Mayor, though, says the facilities are necessary.
Art Data Centres lodged plans with Clare County Council a year ago to construct a campus on the outskirts of Ennis, which they say would create 250 data centre jobs and 1,200 roles during the project’s construction phase.
The site is located on the Tulla Rd on the eastern outskirts of Ennis at Junction 13 on the M18 motorway connecting Galway to Limerick.
The project has been identified as a key pillar in Clare County Council’s Ennis 2040 plan.
However, environmental group Futureproof Clare claims the facility, if given the green light, will consume as much electricity as 200,000 homes.
Group member Ruairi O’Fathaigh claims the project and others could influence the success of the Government’s Climate Action Plan.
The group is also raising concerns about projected water usage and air quality issues if the works go ahead.
Art Data Centres, in its design plan submitted to the local authority, promises they will collect rainwater and then use solar panels at the facility to generate hot water.
A low carbon model is also promised, with the developer pledging to use ‘external air’ for cooling.
However, Futureproof Clare member Tim Hannon doesn’t think it goes far enough, and believes the Green Party in particular should reassess their political aims.
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The Mayor of Ennis though believes the need for data centres has to be accepted.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy believes a balance needs to be struck between the demand for data centres and the resources necessary to power them.
A decision from Clare County Council on the planning status of the project is expected in the coming months.
