Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
173. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when decisions are due to be made on the identification of suitable sites as locations for the establishment of data centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5078/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra174. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if locations (details supplied) have been given further consideration as possible sites for the location of data centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, last year IDA Ireland appointed Jacobs Engineering, supported by AOS Planning, to identify potential strategic land banks in Ireland that would be particularly suitable for the sustainable development of large scale data centre projects.
I understand that the national site evaluation process is now well advanced and some draft information has been provided to the IDA by the consultants. On the basis of this draft information, the IDA is extending the scope of the evaluation process. The scope of this additional work is currently being finalised. IDA Ireland has indicated that a final draft report is expected towards the end of March 2018.
More broadly, the IDA continues to actively market County Cavan, and the wider border area, for foreign direct investment opportunities, including through the Agency’s overseas network.
