Appeal lodged over Mayo data centre
The development of a data centre in Killala is on hold after an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanala.
Dr Colin Doyle from Ennis, Co Clare, who along with best-selling Mayo author Sally Rooney was among the objectors to the data centre during the planning process, has lodged a third-party appeal over Mayo County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the facility to AVAIO Digital, a US-based investment firm.
In his original submission to Mayo County Council, Dr Doyle said he had significant concerns over the climate impact the proposed 29,000 sq m data centre may have.
“My main concern is indirect greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and the resulting impact on climate in the national context. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) submitted by the applicant concluded that the climate impact would be “not significant’,” he said in his original objection.
“However, in my considered opinion the proposed development would in fact have at least a major adverse climate impact."
Dr Doyle has previously lodged appeals in relation to the proposed development of other data centres including an Amazon facility in Dublin and a facility on the outskirts of Ennis.
Local councillor Jarlath Munnelly said he respects the appeals process but is disappointed the project will now be held up.
“It is disappointing, this is a project that has great potential for north Mayo. I respect people’s right to object but it is frustrating when the objection isn’t coming from someone in the locality,” he said.
“There is huge potential to power this facility and the whole region with renewable energy and I’m not talking about putting windmills everywhere but progressing plans for offshore energy.”
In an interview with the Western People earlier this month, Principal of AVAIO Digital John Malone said he acknowledged concerns about the data centre’s power demands but said they do not intend to be a stressor on the grid.
“When we build a data centre, we build with 100% of our grid connection as backup. We’re going to have 60 megawatts of on-site generation."
“What that means is in times of real grid strength, we can produce our own power and so we will, by definition, not be a stressor on the grid at times of real high demand because we can meet that demand ourselves.”
