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Clare FM

Clare FM - Sounds Like You

  1. Firm Behind Ennis Data Centre Accused Of "Deception" And "Smoke And Mirrors"

    1 DAY AGO

    Firm Behind Ennis Data Centre Accused Of "Deception" And "Smoke And Mirrors"

    One of the most vocal objectors to a planned data centre on the outskirts of Ennis is accusing the company behind it of "deception" and claims the development will increase electricity prices. The High Court has cleared the way for the €1.6 billion project on the Tulla Road which it's argued would emit as much greenhouse gases each year as 500,000 people. Responding to the High Court ruling finding in Art Data Centres Limited's favour in the judicial review proceedings, its co-founders said it "recognises that there is a future for environmentally-sensitive data centre developments". They've described the project as a "responsible use of renewable energy" featuring "grid-supporting generation technology and heat-recycling for both agri-food and local heating schemes". Clare County Council granted permission for the 200-megawatt scheme comprising six data halls covering 145 acres in August 2022. This was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála which backed the council's decision in April 2024 and this was followed by a judicial review process, which resulted in the commission admitted it had "erred" in its initial ruling. Despite this, the remaining hurdles have now been cleared in the High Court, paving the way for the development to commence. With 1,200 jobs to be created during construction as well as a further 1,000 when operational, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says it's welcome news. Friends of the Irish Environment claims the data centre will emit 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year which is the same as the carbon produced by 500,000 people. The developer has argued that enough surplus electricity will be generated by the scheme to heat up to 1,100 homes in the area. Ennis-based physicist Dr Colin Doyle, who objected to the development at various stages, doesn't believe this will materalise however as the required infrastructure isn't in place. He insists any suggestion the project is carbon neutral is "total nonsense" and an example of "smoke and mirrors.

    6 min

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