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Ireland’s data centre dilemma: How can the national grid cope as digital demand grows?

As the power system struggles to supply the demands of 70-plus data centres, many are asking why the government has been so keen to express continuing support for the energy-sapping industry

Data centres: the cool weather conditions in Ireland make it a perfect location for data centres. Picture: Shutterstock

Six years ago, in a field in Clonee, Co Meath, the winds were so high that a Facebook executive had to assure a group of councillors, IDA officials and reporters they were not in any danger.

They were there to witness the turning of the sod on a new data centre, and as every gust of wind lifted the roof of the marquee into the air and shook the floorboards, the safety of the temporary ...