Sir, – Further to “Ireland should not be blocking data centres, we need more of them” (Weekend, Opinion, August 31st), with data centres consuming 21 per cent of Ireland’s electricity, their unchecked expansion threatens our ability to meet crucial climate targets. This isn’t just an environmental issue; Ireland faces potential fines of at least €8.2 billion if we miss our 2030 targets.
Continuing to prioritise data centres over sustainable alternatives represents predatory delay, profiting from unsustainable systems while pushing the cost – both financial and environmental – onto future generations. Ireland must act now to ensure our economic growth does not come at the expense of our climate commitments and financial stability. – Yours, etc,
Dr CIARÁN O’CARROLL,
North Strand,
Dublin 3.