Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
13. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of data centres in Ireland and the approximate level of energy they use; the percentage of energy they use as a proportion of all Irish energy; whether each has a diesel backup generator, by location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44331/26]
View answerWhile the Department has no direct function in capturing and recording this information, publicly available information indicates there are in the order of 72 to 90 data centres in Ireland, depending on the metrics used, with the vast majority in the Greater Dublin Area.
Reporting obligations related to this information on certain sized data centres has recently been introduced by the EU, pursuant to Article 12 of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791 (‘EED’) and its delegated regulation 2024/1364, for the annual monitoring and publication on key performance indicators on energy use and sustainability performance related to energy use, including energy coming from back-up generators, and renewable energy use among others. Currently overseen by my Department, data centre operators in Ireland are reporting this information to a confidential European database which will be made publicly available by the European Commission in-line with the delegated regulation.
In relation to energy use, electricity is the main source of energy for most data centres operating in Ireland. The Central Statistics Office indicate metered electricity consumption by data centres was 6,969 GWh in 2024. The percentage share of metered electricity consumption used by data centres rose from 5% in 2015 to 22% in 2024.
The operation of diesel fuel generated back-up power systems is subject to strict statutory rules and environmental regulations aimed at limiting emissions, operating hours and interaction with the grid, all overseen by the independent regulators the EPA, CRU, EirGrid, and ESB Networks regarding environmental regulation, connection policies, and system operation/connection.
Ireland has attracted the best data centre and tech companies in the world. This is a really important relationship for Ireland’s economic and digital future and the Government continues to work with the sector towards sustainable development and a secure and decarbonised energy future. Government acknowledges the need to balance the opportunities and challenges being faced. In line with the Programme for Government commitments a range of policy and energy infrastructure planning workstreams are being prioritised, including unprecedented investment in critical infrastructure and our electricity grid, and enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and solutions such as waste heat capture for district heating systems and other local uses.
