Data Centres

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Ceisteanna (238)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Ceist:

238. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the guarantees in place to ensure a data centre complex (details supplied) will not impact electricity and water demand for existing residents and new housing in County Kildare; the actions being taken to immediately reduce the demand data centres are making on our national electricity grid and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3320/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Questions regarding the planning process are matters more appropriately directed in the first instance to the relevant Local Authority.

Operational matters regarding the grid should be directed to both Eirgrid and ESB Networks. Water usage management and conservation across commercial and industrial (non-domestic) sectors, including data centres, is an operational matter under the remit of Uisce Éireann. These matters are not ones in which I, as Minister, have a function. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with these organisations directly. ESB and EirGrid may be contacted via email at oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.ie and Uisce Éireann via oireachtasmembers@water.ie