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Apr 11 2024
clareecho.ie
VOTE NO. 1
TONY
MULCAHY
SHANNON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
Green light for €1.2bn data centre by Páraic McMahon
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THE €1.2bn Ennis Data Centre has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanala, with up to 450 full-time jobs set to be created when the centre is fully operational. Applicants Art Data Centres Ltd said the construction phase will see up to 1,200 jobs created in addition, which will take up to six years to complete. However local members of the Green Party have told The Clare Echo they are “shocked” by the decision to green light the contentious project. Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) told The Clare Echo, “If this data centre was to go ahead, it would use all the available electricity for Ennis for 15 years, no new hous-
ing, no EV chargers, no new jobs outside of the few involved in the DC. Nothing but carbon emissions. This isn’t in line with the government data centre policy”. Party colleague Bridget Ginnity (GP) who is running as a local election candidate in the Ennis Municipal District said she was “shocked” with An Bord Pleanála granting permission. “It’s important to remember that this project came about as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, where this was identified as a transformational project. I don’t think the Council intended to transform us into a major climate black spot, but that is what will happen. Why did the council not listen to reasonable, scientifically strong submissions but continued to pursue this monstrous project”. Full Story page 11
FINE GAEL Continue your preference for Cllr. John Crowe, Val Gillane, Seán Kelly MEP and John Mullins
LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
l Victorious Clare captain Conor Cleary Photo by Gerard O’Neill