Executive Summary
■ The Irish Government recently published a policy document in relation to data centre development (the “Policy Document”), highlighting that data centres play an “indispensable role” in the Irish economy and society and identified various ‘principles’ to ensure that data centre infrastructure can be accommodated.
■ Separately, to support the achievement of Ireland’s emissions reduction targets, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (“DECC”) has launched a consultation to gather the views of stakeholders and interested parties to inform the development of a hydrogen strategy for Ireland (the “Consultation Paper”).
Digital Infrastructure Developments
Recent media reports and policy statements from EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the “CRU”) have focused upon the future accommodation of data centre development, particularly in the Dublin area pending upgrades to grid infrastructure. The Irish Government recently published principles in the Policy Document which aim to ensure that data centre infrastructure (i) can be accommodated and (ii) contributes positively to Ireland’s climate and digital goals. In summary, these principles are: