Naas residents come together to block local data centre projects
Residents say they are frustrated
Residents in the Jigginstown area of Naas have come together to challenge the zoning of lands near their homes for proposed data centre development.
The group says residents could be significantly affected if the developments proceed and is urging Kildare County Councillors to reconsider the zoning ahead of a key vote on Monday, September 28.
Residents say they are frustrated by what they describe as a lack of engagement from local representatives.
They argue that new information about the potential environmental and acoustic impacts of data centres has emerged since the lands were zoned for data centre use in 2021.
One Jigginstown resident pointed to reported noise problems associated with a data centre in Clondalkin, where an EPA investigation is under way, saying Naas should not wait until potential impacts become irreversible.
Naas resident Janine Plumber said she had initially been unconcerned about data centre development until she read reports about noise experienced by residents near the Clondalkin facility. She estimates that the proposed P2 data centre could affect around 10,000 people through noise and air pollution.
The residents say the lands were originally agricultural and that there was limited public information about the environmental and acoustic implications of data centres when the zoning decision was made. They are now calling for the sites to be reviewed in light of what they describe as new evidence.
James Gallagher, a Primrose Garden resident and creator of Jigginstown.ie, said residents wanted a proper review based on current information. He said the website had been established to bring together evidence, source material, a councillor tracker and information to help residents engage with the planning debate.
The group estimates that between 10,000 and 12,000 Naas residents could fall within the potential impact zone if facilities proceed beside the M7 Business Park and Jigginstown sites. Residents have also raised concerns about years of construction noise, heavy traffic, dust, generator emissions and pressure on local infrastructure.
The proposed sites are described by the group as being three times the size of Croke Park. Residents argue that such developments should be located in industrial areas rather than beside established residential communities.
The campaign is urging residents, businesses and organisations across Kildare to contact their elected representatives before the September 28 vote.
“We are not asking Councillors to oppose technology or investment,” said Mr Gallagher. “We are asking them one simple question: knowing what we know today, would you still choose this location?”