Data Centres
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Darragh O'Brien (FF), Dublin Fingal East

I responded earlier about water usage. Uisce Éireann estimates that approximately 0.3% of water is used in data centres. They are its figures. I just wanted to put that on the record of the House again. However, I reiterate that it has to be managed and we are doing that. That is why Peter Burke and I brought forward the Large Energy User Action Plan. It sets out how, in a plan-led way, some of the conditions of future connection agreements for data centres are that there must be capacity and 80% of the energy must be brought forward through new renewable sources. We have not seen a large number of data centres being connected in recent years. It is not the case, as the Deputy acknowledged to be fair, that when applications are made, not even for planning but for a connection agreement, they are all granted. We have set down clearly what are now the criteria for getting a connection agreement and that is important. It is important that we manage current and projected demand well and appropriately.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17