Planned Meath data centres run into planning difficulties
An Bord Pleanala’s decision to give the go-ahead for a data centre near Clonee is being challenged in the High Court.
Mannix and Amy Coyne, of Bracetown, Clonee, who live close to the 24.5-hectare site where permission has been given to allow EngineNode Ltd build a data centre, are opposing the decision.
It is claimed that the centre will require of 180 megawatts of electricity per year and will generate an estimated one per cent of Ireland’s total annual carbon dioxide emissions.
The Coynes’ claim that the planning authority’s decision in early July granting planning permission is flawed, invalid and should be set aside.
The Coynes claim the decision does not comply with planning regulations, the 2000 Planning and Development Act and the EU Directive on Environmental Impact Assessments.
They argue that the board failed to assess, identify and describe the environmental impact that will result from carbon dioxide emissions produced as a result of the proposed development.
No regard was given by the board to the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, it is alleged.
They also claim they will suffer major loss of amenity, privacy as well serious disturbance to the equine business they operate from their home, Clonee, if the centre and the associated works are carried out.
Counsel said that the developer had originally proposed to build an energy centre on the site to provide some of the power it requires.
That part of proposed development was dropped, which impact on the levels of carbon dioxide the centre would generate, when the application for planning permission went before the board.
This substantial change to the original proposal was not properly assessed by the board counsel said.
In judicial review proceedings against the board, Ireland and the Attorney General the Coynes seek orders including quashing the board’s decision to allow the data centre be constructed. EngineNode Ltd is a notice party to the proceedings.
Meanwhile, plans for a €350 million data centre by Amazon in Drogheda have been put on hold following an objection to the project by An Taisce over claims planning authorities are failing to take account of the negative impact of data centres on Ireland meeting its renewable energy targets.
The environmental and heritage group has launched an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the recent decision of Meath County Council to grant planning permission for what would be the online retail giant’s second data centre in Drogheda.
Amazon has already secured approval for another 48 megawatt (MG) data centre at the IDA Business and Technology Park around 2.5km outside Drogheda, with construction already under way on the project, while it has also signalled interest in the development of a third data centre in the area.