Politicians demand renewable-energy moratorium after Kilmeaden data-centre plan denied

A planning application for a sprawling data-centre and technology campus near Waterford city was refused, citing projected traffic congestion and heightened demand on water and electricity supplies. The scheme, put forward by Irish firm Echelon, would have occupied more than one square kilometre and featured a village centre with a gym, café, shop, pharmacy, office space, a two-storey childcare facility and an outdoor play area.

More than 500 residents submitted objections, warning that the project’s emissions could jeopardise climate targets and disrupt the lives of the village’s largely elderly population. Green Party TD Roderic O’Gorman called for the reinstatement of a moratorium on data-centres that are not powered by renewable energy, while local councillor John O’Leary backed the idea to keep Kilmeaden small. Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane stressed that economic development must be balanced with electricity demand, grid capacity, climate obligations and community impact, urging a coherent national policy.