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\nAuthor Sally Rooney said the proposed data centre add to the ‘catastrophic planetary crisis that is global warming’<\/p>\n
An Coimus\u00fan Plean\u00e1la (ACP) has refused permission for a data centre in Co Mayo over concerns about the electricity capacity to run the facility and the impact it would have on climate targets.<\/p>\n
Mayo Data Hub Limited was granted approval for the development outside Killala by Mayo County Council, in April 2025.<\/p>\n
Months later, that decision was appealed to ACP, by Colin Doyle, from Ennis in Co Clare. The planning authority has now overturned the initial permission, citing a number of issues with the proposals.<\/p>\n
Mr Doyle had previously raised concerns with Mayo County Council about the environmental impact of the development, with regard to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and the country’s net zero commitments.<\/p>\n
In a four-page ruling circulated to the relevant parties, ACP said the applicants had failed to demonstrate that they had a fixed connection agreement to the electricity grid.<\/p>\n
They had not shown there was enough capacity in the existing infrastructure to power the centre, and did not have significant onsite renewable energy to power the development either.<\/p>\n
The ruling goes on to state that the planned facility would not accord with the 2025 Climate Action Plan, in relation to commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n
In its inital application, Mayo Data Hub Ltd. said the 29,000-square metre facility would comprise a data centre, administrative buildings and associated electrical and mechanical plant rooms.<\/p>\n
The plans also included the provision of 56 car parking spaces at the site on the outskirts of the north Mayo town.<\/p>\n
\nAuthor Sally Rooney said the proposed data centre add to the ‘catastrophic planetary crisis that is global warming’<\/p>\n
A number of third parties objected to the plans when they were first lodged with the local authority, including the author Sally Rooney.<\/p>\n
Ms Rooney contended that the electrical power demands that would result from the data centre would increase carbon emissions and add to the “catastrophic planetary crisis that is global warming”.<\/p>\n
In response to requests for further information during the planning process, Mayo Data Hub acknowledged that the energy for the development would be secured from the national grid, but said it would be willing to enter into agreements with renewable energy providers as and when such options became available.<\/p>\n
The ruling from ACP can be challenged only by way of a judicial review, which must be made within eight weeks of the decision being formally published.<\/p>\n