Data centres have become a controversial presence in Ireland, with concerns about their impact on the community and the environment. They are seen as taking up space, leeching off the electricity grid, and not contributing to the local community. However, proponents argue that data centres are essential for modern life, enabling instant information and supporting the technological revolution. Ireland has become a major location for data centres due to factors such as its climate, proximity to network nodes, and legislation on privacy. While data centres consume a significant amount of energy, there are efforts to make them run on renewable sources and utilize waste heat. The public trust and planning processes are crucial in addressing the concerns and ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders. Ireland’s electricity system will need to become more robust and decarbonized to accommodate the increasing demand from data centres and other sources.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data centres in Ireland are seen as taking up space and resources without giving back to the community | Perception of data centres as non-contributors to community | Data centres will continue to be essential for technological progress | Need for instant information and data processing in the modern age |
| Data centres are essential for storing and processing vast amounts of data | Importance of data centres for data storage and processing | Data centres will continue to be integral to managing and processing data | Increasing reliance on data-driven technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) |
| Data centres are distributed globally for security reasons and to comply with various regulations | Distribution of data centres for security and regulatory purposes | Data centres will continue to be distributed globally for security and regulatory compliance | Need to store data locally and comply with privacy and data protection regulations |
| Data centres consume a significant amount of energy and contribute to carbon emissions | Increased energy consumption and carbon emissions due to data centres | Data centres will need to become more sustainable and energy-efficient | Transition to renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions |
| The construction and operation of data centres contribute to the economy and job creation in Ireland | Economic benefits and job creation from data centres | Data centres will continue to contribute to the Irish economy and create jobs | Economic growth and employment opportunities in the data centre industry |
| Concerns about the environmental impact of data centres and their carbon footprint | Environmental concerns and carbon emissions from data centres | Data centres will need to address environmental concerns and reduce their carbon footprint | Adoption of sustainable practices and technologies to mitigate environmental impact |
| Government policies and regulations play a role in the development and location of data centres | Impact of government policies and regulations on data centre development | Data centre planning and policies will need to consider the interests of all stakeholders | Balancing the interests of different stakeholders and ensuring equitable benefits |
| Data centres require a robust and resilient electricity system to meet the growing demand | Need for a resilient electricity system to support data centre operations | Electricity system will need to be upgraded to meet the demand from data centres | Investment in infrastructure and renewable energy to support data centre operations |