Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
306. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment given that data centres already use a large and growing share of Ireland's resources but create relatively few permanent jobs, his views on the State putting so much of its digital infrastructure and employment risk into what could be called a "data centre basket"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/26]
View answerIreland has taken deliberate and strategic action to position itself as a leading digital economy through a coordinated policy mix encompassing national digital strategies, targeted foreign direct investment, and strong indigenous enterprise growth.
Ireland’s Digital and AI strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects the Government’s determination to harness the full economic potential of digital and AI technologies to drive economic growth and deliver modern, efficient public services.
Research and analysis commissioned by my Department indicates that approximately 20,000 jobs were linked directly to the construction and operation of data centres in 2024. However, this does not capture their wider economic role. The same research finds that data centres underpin core activities across a broad range of sectors, supporting a significant share of Ireland’s GDP and many hundreds of thousands of jobs across the economy.
The Government recognises that data centres are energy-intensive and that their growth must be carefully managed in the context of energy security, grid capacity and climate objectives. A range of policies are in place to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach, including the Government’s Data Centre Policy Statement and the recently introduced Large Energy User Action Plan.
These initiatives promote the co-location of data centres with renewable energy sources, greater regional diversification, and a plan-led approach to infrastructure delivery. This approach is designed to support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy, while also strengthening regional development and alleviating pressure on existing infrastructure.
In this context, the Government is not placing undue reliance on any single sector. Rather, it is ensuring that data centres continue to function as enabling infrastructure for a broad and diverse economy, while proactively managing associated risks in a strategic and sustainable manner.
I will continue to engage with colleagues across Government to ensure that policy in this area maintains an appropriate balance between economic opportunity, energy security and environmental sustainability.
