I propose to take Questions Nos. 1304 to 1306, inclusive, together.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be involved, including the case the subject of these Questions.
With regard to the role that data centre type infrastructure plays in enabling the development of Ireland's digital economy and the need to maximise certainty in the planning process concerning the delivery of such infrastructure, I intend to introduce amendments to the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016 when it comes before the Seanad, classifying data centres as strategic infrastructural developments for the purposes of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This change will mean that future applications for planning permission will be made direct to An Bord Pleanála and will not have to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in the first instance.
Climate change and renewable energy policy are a matter primarily for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.