The Government has published a revised statement on the role of data centres in Ireland's enterprise strategy.
"While data centres currently account for just under 2% of all greenhouse gas emissions, they are responsible for about 14% of Irish electricity use," according to the statement.
Under the revised policy, the Government says it has a preference for data centre developments associated with strong economic activity and employment that make efficient use of the electricity grid, using available capacity and alleviating constraints.
Other principles highlighted in the statement include data centres developments that can demonstrate a clear pathway to decarbonise and ultimately provide net zero data services.
The Government says it also has a preference for data centre developments that provide opportunities for community engagement and assist SMEs, both at the construction phase and throughout the data centre lifecycle.
"Data centre developments which are not consistent with these principles would not be in line with government policy," according to the statement.
