Artificial Intelligence
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-24
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Alan Dillon (FG), Mayo

I thank the Deputy for his question. The Government's new updated national digital and AI strategy was published last week. It sets out the Government's ambition and vision to 2030 to ensure Ireland remains a digital leader in an increasingly competitive global environment. It aims to secure Ireland as a global hub for applied AI innovation, strengthening our profile as a location for investment. It will ensure our economy reaps the benefit of digital and AI for growth and competitiveness, enhance our public services and empower our people to thrive in a digital society.
In accelerating our digital and AI ambitions, it is important to acknowledge the significant energy and infrastructure challenges Ireland faces. To address these challenges and to maximise future opportunities associated with the twin digital and green transitions, the Government is pursuing a strategic medium-term approach for large energy users, as set out in the large energy users action plan published last month.
In response to the question the Deputy asked, there is no single stand-alone Department report quantifying the climate impact of AI. As with all sectors of our economy, the operation and development of digital infrastructure, including AI, are underpinned by Ireland's legally binding climate objectives and the need to maintain robust energy security. The Government continues to work to secure a decarbonised energy future that unlocks enhanced use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technology and energy-effective solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. Key pillars of the large energy users action plan will be the provision of a framework for the establishment of green energy parks in which to co-locate the most energy-intensive industry with the supply of renewables and other enabling technology and the establishment of a framework for near real-time greenhouse gas emissions reporting by large energy users.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:40+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-24