Data Centres

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Questions (289)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

289. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the basis for recent public comments reported in the media (details supplied) that the data centre sector employs approximately 29,000 people in the State; whether the figure of 29,000 jobs associated with data centres is derived from Departmental analysis or from estimates supplied by industry representatives or agencies such as IDA Ireland; the methodology used to calculate the estimate of 29,000 jobs associated with data centres; to provide a breakdown of what the jobs are including construction, operations or otherwise; and to provide details of the estimated geographical distribution of the jobs. [39431/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

As set out in the Government's Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP), published in January 2026, companies that operate data centres, whether as part of their own infrastructure requirements or as a provider of services to other users, in Ireland account for approximately 21,000 direct employees. This figure was provided by the IDA at the time.

I would like to correct the figure I referenced at the recent event, which for the record should be 21,000.

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has commissioned an independent study on data centres that will include more detail on employment in the sector. I am advised that the outcome of this analysis will be available soon.