Future of €3bn Kildare data centre in doubt as planning permission is appealed

The future of a new €3 billion Kildare data centre is in doubt after the planning approval was appealed by both the developer, An Taisce and Friends of the Irish Environment. 

Planning permission was originally granted by Kildare County Council last month. This decision has now been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) A verdict is due by January 28. 

The plan attracted opposition from environmentalists and climate change activists when it was first lodged.

They say the centre will bring about an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Herbata Limited was given the go ahead to build the development near the M7 on the outskirts of Naas in the townlands of Halverstown, Jigginstown and Newhall.

It sought permission for the construction of six two-storey data centre buildings, each with loading bays, external plant area, including electrical and mechanical plant rooms, fuel compound, sprinkler tanks and associated ancillary development.

Solar panels with a total area of 3,600m2 were included on the roof of each data centre building, and rainwater harvesting is also in the plans. The developers also wanted to demolish three houses, associated garages and farm outbuildings and agricultural buildings.

Herbata has appealed some of the conditions of the planning approval relating to the impacts on hedgerows and townland boundaries, bat licences and linked running water courses. 

Meanwhile, An Taisce and Friends of the Irish Environment have queried the emissions figures in the applicants reports, the government's legal climate obligations and mitigation measures.