Kildare County Council has granted planning permission for a massive €3 billion data centre campus near Naas, despite strong opposition from environmental groups concerned about its climate impact.
The six-building facility, proposed by Herbata Ltd – owned by multimillionaire Combilift co-owner Robert Moffett – will be located next to the M7 motorway and business park. The scale of the development is reflected in the €8.3 million in development contributions required from the applicants, one of 77 conditions attached to the approval.
Over 20 years, the project is estimated to produce 11.6 million tonnes of CO2, though applicants describe this climate impact as “not significant.” This assessment contrasts sharply with views from An Taisce, Friends of the Earth Ireland, and Friends of the Irish Environment, all of which called for planning refusal due to negative climate impacts.
The developers claim the facility will be groundbreaking, with 50% of power requirements sourced through renewable energy via Corporate Power Purchase Agreements and on-site solar panels. They maintain the data centre will not rely on existing electricity generation infrastructure.
However, the council has imposed strict conditions requiring proof of formal grid connection with EirGrid to cover the full electrical load before development begins. Detailed CPPA agreements must also be provided.
Environmental groups remain strongly opposed. Friends of the Earth’s Jerry Mac Evilly argued that “the applicant has not clearly or sufficiently addressed significant emissions impacts,” while An Taisce’s Phoebe Duvall warned that approval “would be in contravention of Ireland’s legally binding emissions reduction obligations.”
Supporting the project, County Kildare Chamber CEO Sinead Ronan described it as “a significant and timely investment” delivering “multiple economic, environmental and infrastructural benefits” while positioning Kildare as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.
The case is expected to proceed to An Bord Pleanála through third-party appeals given the strength of environmental opposition to the controversial development.