Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
35. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to implement the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions his officials have had with IDA Ireland with regard to the development of data centres in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48276/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 69 together.
My officials and I work closely with IDA Ireland on a range of policy matters related to its mandate, including, actions relating to data centres under consideration for the forthcoming Climate Action Plan, the potential role of Power Purchase Agreements, the contribution of data centres to economic development especially to job creation and maintenance, grid connection policy and the implementation of the Government Statement on the role of data centres in Ireland's enterprise strategy.
The 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' was published in 2018 and since then, the Department and IDA Ireland have been working on implementing a number of recommendations, including the prioritisation of regional locations for new data centre developments, and engaging with the electricity grid operators to assess grid capacity constraints and opportunities. Progress has also been made on researching the potential for Corporate Power Purchase Agreements and making the planning process more predictable.
My Department will commit in the forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2021 to review the 'Government Statement on the role of Data Centres in Enterprise Strategy' in light of more recent policy and market developments, and our more ambitious renewable electricity targets and emissions ceilings. The Climate Action Plan will also commit to an assessment of further regulatory measures to meet our commitments in that regard.
In revising the 'Government Statement', my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and stakeholders such as Eirgrid, the CRU and IDA Ireland, to set out the additional measures required to ensure that the existing demand for data centre development can be managed to drive the decarbonisation of our electricity system and deliver regional economic opportunities.
