Data center project confronts renewed opposition in Kildare
The proposed €3 billion data center by Herbata Ltd in Naas, Co Kildare has stirred up a heated debate, with both supporters and critics focusing on the project's potential greenhouse gas emissions and alignment with Ireland's climate commitments.
Arguments Against the Project
Opponents of the project, including environmental groups such as An Taisce, Friends of the Earth Ireland (FEI), and Friends of Irish Environment (FIE), argue that approving the data campus would contravene national emissions reduction targets and climate objectives. Their main concern is that the scale of data centers generally leads to increased emissions, which could undermine Ireland’s climate goals.
Specifically, FEI's Jerry Mac Evilly calls for the application to be rejected due to insufficient addressing of emissions impacts, while Tony Lowes of FIE states that the data center could emit nearly a million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. Phoebe Duvall, representing An Taisce, agrees, stating that granting permission would be in contravention of Ireland's emissions reduction obligations.
Arguments in Favor
Proponents of the project, including the County Kildare Chamber, emphasize the economic and infrastructural benefits the project is expected to deliver to the Naas and Kildare region. Sinead Ronan, on behalf of the County Kildare Chamber, presents the data center as a forward-looking opportunity to enhance the local economy and position Kildare as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.
Herbata Ltd claims its "next generation" data center campus will uniquely not rely on the national electricity grid and aims to minimize energy consumption and promote decarbonization, providing a "clear path to zero emissions." Consultants for the applicants RPS have also stated that the utilisation of combined cycle gas turbines would result in a consequent reduction of 552,000 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions.
Balancing Act
Despite these objections, Kildare County Council recently approved the project. The approval has sparked ongoing debate, reflecting the broader challenge of balancing Ireland’s technology sector growth with its climate commitments.
In October, Kildare County Council stalled the plan, stating that the projected CO2 emissions from the data center campus on lands is "excessive" for one development. The data center is planned for a site next to the M7 motorway and business park at Naas, Co Kildare.
In June, Herbata lodged extensive further information on the scheme, stating that the data center would not be reliant upon the existing electricity generation and would get 50% of its power from renewables.
Despite the approval, opponents, including FEI, An Taisce, and FIE, have called on Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission for the data center, citing concerns over emissions and conflict with Ireland’s climate obligations.
| Aspect | Arguments For | Arguments Against | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Greenhouse Gas Emissions| Claims to minimize energy use and avoid grid power, aiming for zero emissions[1] | Concerns it will increase greenhouse gas emissions, countering climate goals[1][4][5] | | Climate Obligations | Aligns with planning policy and climate goals according to proponents[1] | Violates Ireland’s legally binding emissions reduction and national climate objectives[1][4] | | Economic Impact | Significant investment, job creation, economic growth benefits in Kildare[1] | Environmental harm may outweigh economic benefits according to critics[4][5] | | Infrastructural Benefits| Positions Kildare as leader in sustainable digital infrastructure[1] | Not emphasized by opponents who focus on emissions[4][5] |
[1] Source [4] Source [5] Source
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