Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and location of islanded data centres currently operating. [3740/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 January 2024
Ceisteanna (143, 144)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:144. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and location of islanded data centres proposed but not yet operating. [3741/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
The Government's Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy describes an ‘Islanded’ data centre as a development that is not connected to the electricity grid and is powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation. Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) has advised my Department that it does not hold information on the electricity grid connection of existing customers. Therefore, GNI has advised my Department that it is not in a position to provide data on the number, if any, of the small number of data centres connected to the gas grid that would meet the description of "islanded".
GNI has provided the following information in relation to all contracted data centre gas connections, applications and enquires, and not just islanded data centres.
|
Data Centres Sites |
Number |
|
Total Contracted |
11 |
|
Connected (of those contracted) |
5* |
|
Applications/Enquiries |
20 |
* Less than 3 data centre sites are currently consuming gas
In relation to locations, GNI has informed my Department that GNI is not in a position to share the location of individual data centres. GNI can however advise the following for contracted data centres at a provincial level:
|
GNI contractual status of sites |
Located in Leinster |
Located in Munster |
Located in Connaught |
Located in Ulster |
Total Sites |
|
Contracted |
9 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 143.