Google Ireland lodges appeal against data centre …

Google Ireland lodges appeal against data centre refusal

Google Ireland has lodged an appeal against the refusal of South Dublin County Council to approve the expansion of its data center at Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin. The Council cited insufficient electricity network capacity and a lack of on-site renewable energy as reasons for the refusal. Google Ireland argues that the data center expansion is crucial to meet growing demand for its services and support Ireland s digital economy. The proposed data center would create 800 construction jobs and 50 operational jobs, but concerns have been raised about its potential impact on carbon emissions and the strain on the electricity grid. The Council s refusal also highlighted the lack of clarity regarding Google s engagement with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in Ireland and the absence of a connection to the surrounding district heating network. Additionally, the Council pointed out that the proposed development does not comply with the South Dublin County Development Plan s objectives related to green infrastructure and power supply. Environmental groups, such as An Taisce and Friends of the Earth, have expressed concerns about the data center s potential impact on Ireland s carbon budget and renewable energy capacity. They argue that the project would put additional pressure on the already strained electricity grid and contribute to an increase in national emissions, which is incompatible with the state s obligations to reduce emissions. Google Ireland has responded by emphasizing its commitment to decarbonization and the purchase of renewable electricity. However, critics argue that these actions do not offset the physical additional greenhouse gas emissions caused by the company s activities in Ireland. The appeal is now under review by An Bord Pleanála, and the outcome will have significant implications for the future of the data center project and Ireland s digital economy.

Source: rte.ie
Published on 2024-09-18

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