Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has said the scale and nature of the proposed Kilmeaden data centre would have a profound impact on the rural community and that the development, as currently proposed, should not proceed.
The Sinn Féin rural affairs spokesperson made the comments as part of his submission in respect of the proposed development at Blackknock and Adamstown. The development would combine a major data-centre and technology operation with substantial energy infrastructure, including gas-fired generation, battery storage, solar generation and associated electricity infrastructure.
Deputy McGuinness said:
“This is an exceptionally large development for a rural community, and its scale alone raises serious planning questions.
“The proposed development would have an average electricity demand of approximately 203 megawatts, with annual electricity consumption of around 1,781 GWh.
“That is an enormous additional demand, and it has to be considered in the context of the wider pressure on our electricity system and the rapid growth in electricity demand from data centres.
“There are also serious questions around the proposed gas-fired generation, including how it would operate, its emissions and the implications for local air quality.
“Noise also needs careful consideration, particularly given the scale of the mechanical and electrical plant involved and the potential for continuous, low-frequency and tonal noise.
“I have also raised questions about the renewable-energy arrangements associated with the proposal. We need clarity on whether the renewable generation being relied upon is genuinely additional and what additional benefit it provides to the electricity system.
“This is not an argument against economic development or digital infrastructure. Data centres play a role in Ireland’s digital infrastructure and economy.
“But developments of this scale need to be properly assessed in the context of our energy system, our climate obligations, infrastructure capacity and the interests of the local community.
“The Government has itself recognised the need for a more strategic, plan-led approach to very large energy users.
“That wider context is directly relevant here. We need to look at the totality of what is being proposed and ask whether its impacts have been adequately addressed.
“Having considered the application, the further information submitted by the applicant and the issues raised by the local community, I do not believe that has been demonstrated.
“I am therefore calling on Waterford City and County Council to refuse this planning application.”