‘Massive boost’ for campaign against development of new data centre in Waterford
The Waterford branch of People Before Profit addressed the subject in a post on social media
A campaign against the development of a new data centre in County Waterford has received a “massive boost”, the local branch of a political party has said.
The Waterford branch of People Before Profit took to social media after An Coimisiún Pleanála refused permission for a data centre in Mayo.
A party spokesperson said: “An Coimisiún Pleanála's historic decision to overturn planning permission for the €1.5 billion data centre in Killala, County Mayo, marks a massive turning point for Irish infrastructure.
“For the first time, a major data centre project has been blocked explicitly on national climate policy and grid capacity grounds.
“The landmark ruling has immediately sent shockwaves through the tech sector, showing that regional developments are no longer an easy loophole around Dublin’s grid constraints.”
They said that the ruling validates the concerns that many people have raised around the development of such centres.
“This decision serves as a massive validation for critics who have long warned about the strain on our infrastructure.
“High-profile objectors like author Sally Rooney have consistently pointed out that the surge in data centres threatens Ireland's carbon emissions targets and increases the risk of household blackouts.
“By ruling that the Mayo project actively breached the commitments of the Climate Action Plan, the planning board has proven that these warnings are a legal reality, not just political rhetoric.”
The spokesperson went on to outline the boost that this decision has provided to a local campaign.
“The momentum from this ruling is now heading straight for County Waterford, giving a massive boost to a local campaign supported by People Before Profit (PBP) Waterford in their fight against the proposed multi-billion-euro facility in Kilmeaden.
“For local campaigners, this isn't a case of nimbyism; it is about absolute consistency in using legal avenues to protect both the public interest and the environment.
“PBP Waterford and local resident groups have been arguing for months that a massive 108-hectare industrial build undermines local green initiatives and risks regional energy security.
“The Mayo precedent provides these local campaigns with a precise legal blueprint to challenge the project at a national level.”
They argued that if approved, the development would have a negative impact on the wider county.
“Crucially, the threat of this development stretches far beyond the borders of Kilmeaden itself.
“The massive scale of the proposed hub - including huge data blocks, gas turbines, and tens of thousands of solar panels - will directly impact resources shared by communities across the wider Waterford area.
“From the potential strain on the regional water supply to the industrialisation of land right beside highly valued eco-tourism amenities like the Waterford Greenway, the surrounding districts will bear the environmental cost while multinational corporations reap the rewards.”
The spokesperson said that the planning decision sets a new precedent for the proposed development in Kilmeaden.
“Moving forward, the rules of the game have completely changed for tech developers in Ireland.
“If operators want to build in places like Kilmeaden, they can no longer rely on vague promises of future green energy grid alignments.
“They will now face the exact same stringent sustainability tests as East Coast projects, requiring them to secure fully independent, locked-in renewable sources from day one.
“While it might be too soon to say all bets are off for the entire industry, the Mayo decision proves that a principled, legally consistent approach to climate resistance can completely halt big tech expansion.”
They also outlined that a public meeting on the issue will be held in the coming weeks.
“To help organise our community and build on this legal momentum, a public meeting is being planned in Kilmeaden in the coming weeks.
“This is an open invitation for residents from Kilmeaden, Portlaw, and all surrounding areas to come together, discuss the latest planning updates, and coordinate our next steps.
“Keep an eye on local noticeboards and social channels for the final date, time, and venue announcement.”
“It is time to stand together and ensure our shared environment and resources are protected for future generations,” the spokesperson concluded.
Hundreds of local residents have objected to the development of a new technology park in Kilmeaden.
Planning permission is being sought for the development, which would house a data centre, as well as some 43,000 solar panels to help run it.
It would also include a new village centre, with a gym, café, shop, pharmacy, and office space. A two-storey childcare facility and outdoor play area are also in the plans.