People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid- West Gino Kenny, and People Before Profit Councillor, Darragh Adelaide, have expressed deep concern over a new planning application by Google to construct a 72,400 square meter data centre in Grange Castle, Clondalkin. The representatives have highlighted the significant impact this development will have on the local electricity grid and the broader implications for Ireland’s climate targets.
“Data centres consume vast amounts of electricity, and this new development will put unprecedented strain on our local grid,” stated Gino Kenny TD. “We cannot afford to jeopardize the stability of our electricity supply for the sake of a multinational corporation’s profit margins. People Before Profit will be making a formal objection to this planning application to protect our community and ensure sustainable development.”
Councillor Darragh Adelaide echoed these concerns, emphasizing the environmental impact of the proposed data centre. “The 224,250 tonnes of CO2 emissions projected from this data centre are alarming. This development contradicts Ireland’s climate targets and undermines our efforts to combat climate change. It is crucial that we prioritize green energy solutions and sustainable growth over projects that exacerbate our carbon footprint.”
The representatives also criticized the decision in 2022 by the Fine Gael/Fianna Fail/Green Party government to overturn People Before Profit’s proposal to ban new data centres in South Dublin. “We proposed a sensible ban on new data centres to manage their excessive energy consumption and environmental impact. Unfortunately, the government chose to side with corporate interests instead of protecting our planet and local communities,” added Kenny. “This decision is a step backward for Ireland’s climate policy, and we must hold them accountable for it.”
