Planning permission overturned for Mayo data centre

An Coimisiún Pleanála has overturned Mayo County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a proposed 50-megawatt data centre in Killala, north Mayo.

Mayo Data Hub Limited was granted permission for the development in April last year, despite a number of objections.

Among those who objected was bestselling author Sally Rooney. In her submission, the Normal People author described herself as a “resident of County Mayo and a concerned citizen” and raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the development.

Following the council’s decision to grant permission, an appeal was lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála by Colin Doyle of Ennis, County Clare. His appeal raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposed data centre on the climate.

Following consideration of the appeals and third-party objections, An Coimisiún Pleanála ultimately refused permission for the project.

The planning body cited a number of reasons for its decision, including concerns over electricity grid capacity, potential conflict with the objectives of the Climate Action Plan, and the project’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Deputy Paul Lawless, who had previously voiced concerns about the proposed development, welcomed the decision.

Deputy Lawless said he believes Ireland is increasingly being used as “Europe’s data centre”.

“Data centres are placing huge pressure on the grid and therefore pushing up electricity prices. They are also paying less per unit of electricity than regular households,” he stated.

“In recent years we've seen a number of planning applications go in across the west of Ireland for enormous wind turbines, wind farms and solar farms. These developments are being foisted upon us in rural Ireland because of the amount of electricity data centres are using.”

He also welcomed An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision, saying he was glad that the planning authority “has seen sense”.

“I hope this planning refusal will stop or slow the extreme push by developers for so many wind farms across the county,” Deputy Lawless concluded.

However, Minister Alan Dillon expressed disappointment at the decision to refuse permission for the development in Killala and north Mayo.

“Many people had hoped this project would bring jobs, support local businesses and create new opportunities in the area. I have also spoken with local Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, who outlined the frustration being felt in the community following this decision,” he stated.

“People want to see good jobs within reach of where they live and opportunities for young people to build their futures locally. Mayo has enormous potential, and we need to make sure we are ready to compete for investment that can deliver lasting benefits for our communities,” Minister Dillon concluded.