Debate: Should Ireland build more data centres?
Providing IT infrastructure for the likes of Amazon and Meta is key for our economy, but environmental costs worry opponents
Data Centres
Planners approve Energia data centre
Project is in line with Government’s Climate Action Plan, An Bord Pleanála rules after objections from An Taisce and environmentalists
Electricity supplies face ongoing pressure due to increases in demand
National grid operator predicts record demand as climate change measures kick in
Patrick Freyne: Here’s what I see when I see Irish people at their best
We are hospitable and irreverent, but also cynical and parochial. When things get difficult, who do we want to be?
The man lobbying for data centres in Ireland: ‘Disparaging them means you’re effectively demonising the big tax takes’
Ireland risks being left behind in the digital age by our negative view of data centres, says Garry Connolly, director of industry lobby group Digital Infrastructure Ireland
Irish storage supplier Suretank to create 80 jobs by year-end
Company, which diversified from oil and gas, expects expanded headcount to help drive revenues up from €50m to €75m
Miriam Lord’s Week: Verona Murphy needs help understanding Micheál Martin, but does he know what he said himself?
The latest wheeze to appease Regional Independent TDs has further riled Opposition, and mystery surrounds a mooted Linda Martin presidency
ChatGPT search uses 10 times as much electricity as Google search - Dáil hears
Dáil told 50% of energy produced in Dublin and Meath goes to data centres
What does the latest regulator ruling on data centres mean?
Electricity consumption by installations has long been a problem
Taoiseach accused of drinking too much ‘big tech Kool-Aid’
To shut door on data centres would send signal Ireland does not want to be part of ‘most profound economic revolution’, Micheál Martin says
Any new data centres here will need to supply electricity to other premises under revised rules
The best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk
Data centres to supply electricity under proposed new rules
Energy industry regulators to publish decision on Tuesday
Power costs putting investors off in energy-intensive sectors, Government warned
Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment officials worried that high energy costs could make Ireland less attractive for business
Tough choices must be made on the climate crisis
State is projected to miss emissions targets by 2030, risking €20bn fine despite solid progress on renewables and reducing carbon
Sally Rooney takes climate fight to Mayo County Council by objecting to ‘toxic’ data centre plan
Plus: Defence Forces spending on Pilates sounds like a bit of a stretch, Michael McGrath discusses European master plan in Cork and Independent TDs take us back to the past
How green is the programme for government?
Absence of climate ambition, continuity rather than scaled-up targets and vague language stand out
Nuclear comes back into fashion as AI and data centres manage their energy challenge
Cloud providers are interested in the potential of miniature nuclear reactors but they come with risks as well as potential
Data centre producer Ardmac sees 45% profit jump
Group continues expansion of activities in pharmaceutical and data centre sectors in UK and mainland Europe
Waterford-based Suir Engineering acquires Scottish rival
Deal will help boost revenue while strengthening Irish group’s presence in Britain
Jack Chambers highlights Trump risk to Irish economy
Seen & Heard: Data centre for Westmeath, Blackbee and Revenue, pay for migrant workers and vacant site notices
Let’s get real: Ireland’s data centre boom is driving up fossil fuel dependence
At a time of climate crisis, the new Government has a choice to make between carbon budgets and economic growth at all costs
Data centre restrictions to hit FDI, tech figures say
Seen & Heard: Tax still key for foreign investment, warning on cocoa prices and bread merger
Have Ireland’s data centre builders shot themselves in the foot through their own greed?
Ireland has achieved a leading position in the data centre sector that could grow exponentially if AI-related demand is sustained
Eamon Ryan hails Ireland’s role as ‘world leader’ on data centres
‘Data centres no longer need to be concentrated around Dublin’ but should be closer to sources of renewable energy, especially offshore wind
Q&A: Why is the European Commission investigating data centre construction?
The European Commission confirmed last month it was investigating possible collusion between data centre providers
Jones Engineering named in European Union data centre investigation
Competition authorities investigating ‘no poach’ deals and alleged breaches on competition law on construction projects
The Irish Times view on data centres and climate: no more development without a renewables boost
Ireland’s ability to reach its legally binding CO2 reduction targets by 2030 would be fatally undermined by the continued growth of data centres
Energy emissions at lowest level in 30 years, SEAI says
Emissions by commercial services sector including data centres up 6.9 per cent in 2023
Drogheda data centre would compromise ability to comply with carbon limits, An Taisce warns
Company seeks planning permission for three-storey facility
Data centre boom under AI growth in Ireland threatening climate targets, report warns
Friends of the Earth calls for ‘moratorium on new data centres and expansion of existing ones until robust legislative framework is in place’
Irish companies under investigation by EU over possible breaches of law in data centre construction
Commission investigating possible competition law breaches
Electrification is Ireland’s missing climate link
Electrification is the bridge between Ireland’s renewable energy potential and its climate commitments
Sally Rooney: When are we going to have the courage to stop the climate crisis?
Capitalism is driving the destruction of our planet. We have to think outside – and against – the framework of our current political system
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