Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Irish Public Says Data Centres Should Be Lowest Priority for Power: Friends of the Earth Poll Irish people believe that data centres should receive the least priority for electricity access during potential power shortages, according to a new survey from environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth. The poll, part of an EU-wide survey of […]
Irish people believe that data centres should receive the least priority for electricity access during potential power shortages, according to a new survey from environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth.
The poll, part of an EU-wide survey of 300,000 people, carried out by market researchers Savanta and commissioned by the renewables NGO Beyond Fossil Fuels, found that housing was considered the top priority for energy supply in Ireland, chosen by 37% of respondents, followed by public services, and then agriculture and food supply.
Friends of the Earth campaigner Rosi Leonard said data centres were “overwhelmingly seen as the lowest priority.” She added that public perception reflects growing concern about the industry’s rising energy use, with more than four in ten respondents saying data centres already consume “a great deal” of Ireland’s power.
According to official figures, data centres consumed more than one-fifth of Ireland’s metered electricity in 2023, up from just 5% a decade earlier.
Over the past decade, Ireland has become a hub for data centres, largely due to favorable tax incentives, a skilled workforce, and its strategic position for transatlantic data connectivity. However, this rapid expansion has coincided with a significant increase in national electricity demand. In 2022, data centres consumed more than 20% of Ireland’s metered electricity, up from just 5% in 2012. The scale of consumption has prompted public concern over the sustainability of this growth, especially given Ireland’s climate targets.
The survey also found that most Irish respondents fear that new data centres could threaten local water supplies and surrounding ecosystems. More than three-quarters said they were concerned about water usage and the effect on community resources.
There was also strong support for greater corporate transparency:
Nearly nine in ten people want companies to disclose their energy sources, total use, and environmental impact.
Over eight in ten want companies to reveal which data centres they use and what services they use them for.
86% believe that new data centres should only be built if powered entirely by renewable energy sources.
Ms Leonard said the Government’s failure to regulate the sector “is placing massive strain on our energy grid, using up energy that is desperately needed to power our homes and public services.”
She continued:
“This polling shows that the general public shares Friends of the Earth’s concerns about energy and resource use by data centres and wants to see Government action to address it. It’s very clear that people want to see housing and public services prioritised for access to energy.”
Friends of the Earth has urged the Government to introduce a moratorium on new data-centre connections, in line with Ireland’s climate law, until stronger sustainability requirements are in place.
The survey results come as Ireland faces mounting pressure to curb emissions. If the country fails to reduce greenhouse gas output by half by 2030, it could face EU fines of up to €26 billion, according to warnings issued by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that, under current measures, Ireland will only achieve a 23% reduction in emissions at best, far short of the target.
Ireland has legally binding climate targets under EU regulations, including a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Failure to meet these goals could result in billions of euros in fines. Data centres’ rising energy consumption poses a risk to these targets unless offset by renewable energy generation or energy efficiency measures. Policymakers face the challenge of balancing technological growth with environmental obligations.
Globally, data centre operators are exploring innovative approaches to reduce environmental impact. These include:
Liquid cooling systems: More efficient than traditional air cooling, reducing electricity consumption.
Waste heat recovery: Capturing heat generated by servers to warm nearby buildings or greenhouses.
Integration with renewable energy grids: Using on-site solar, wind, or hybrid renewable systems to offset reliance on fossil fuels.
Adopting these technologies in Ireland could help data centres meet both operational and environmental goals.
The findings highlight growing public concern that Ireland’s expanding data-centre industry is draining resources needed for homes, communities, and essential services. With overwhelming support for renewable energy requirements and transparency from tech companies, the message from the public is clear: protect energy for people first, and ensure Big Tech plays its part in a sustainable future.
At All-Ireland Sustainability, we’re committed to building a greener, fairer island, together. Stay informed on the latest environmental initiatives, community action, and policy developments shaping sustainability across Ireland, North and South.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to hear about upcoming events, expert insights, and ways to get involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your journey, new members are always welcome.
Subscribe now and be part of the All-Ireland Sustainability Membership.