Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
307. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on the proposed data centre campus in Ennis, County Clare: if the Government has official figures showing the number of permanent, on-site jobs will be created once the facility is up and running, not including construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/26]
View answerI do not hold any specific details on the proposed data centre campus in Ennis, County Clare, as the developer is not currently a client of the development agencies.
However, based on the typical operation of such facilities, it is expected that, once operational, a data centre of this nature would support a number of high-value roles. These would primarily include positions in engineering, technical operations, and across specialised digital functions, such as cybersecurity and IT systems management.
Research and analysis undertaken on behalf of my Department indicates that there are currently more than 3,000 people employed across operational data centres in Ireland. In addition to direct on-site roles, these facilities also give rise to approximately 3,000 indirect jobs through supply chains (such as maintenance, engineering services, and utilities) and a further 2,000 induced jobs in the wider economy through increased local spending, thereby supporting jobs in areas such as retail, hospitality, and services.
The recent launch of the Government’s Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, reflects our ambition to harness the full potential of digital and AI technologies to drive productivity, support economic growth, and deliver modern and efficient public services.
Data centres play a crucial role in achieving these objectives, providing the core infrastructure required for a successful digital economy. Their presence reinforces Ireland’s attractiveness as a global location for investment and also enables the core activities of many of our existing sectors.
In this context, while specific employment figures are not available, developments such as the data centre campus in Ennis are expected to make a positive contribution to Ireland’s high-value employment base and wider economic and digital ambitions.
