Dáil Today Debates Motion Calling For Moratorium On Data Centre Construction.

Wednesday, 29 September 2021 09:30

They are using about 10 per cent of the country's electricity output.

The Dáil will this morning debate a motion calling for a moratorium on new data centres.

They currently use about 10 per cent of the country's electricity output.

Maynooth University's Dr. Patrick Bresnihan told an Oireachtas Committee yesterday that this could rise to 70 per cent by 2030, if all planning permissions for new centres go ahead.

The Social Democrats is bringing forward today's motion - and its co-leader, Roisin Shortall, explains why

Govt needs to properly plan for data centre growth. @SocDems are calling for a moratorium on data centre permissions to allow that to happen. https://t.co/SXZmeN5Cp0
— Jennifer Whitmore TD (@WhitmoreJen) September 28, 2021

The Taoiseach has said every effort will be made to keep the lights on this winter in the face of strain on the power grid.

It comes as the Dáil has been debating a motion calling for a moratorium on new data centres in Ireland.

Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe reports:

An Independent TD has said she's never been as frightened as she is over the Government's stance on data centres.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he believes power demand this winter can be managed.

But Independent TD Catherine Connolly isn't as sure

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