Move to reverse Kildare data centre site zoning is blocked

A move to reverse a land zoning that would lead to a data centre being built at Jigginstown, near Naas, was blocked at a Kildare County Council meeting.

The move followed a public meeting attended by 300 residents objecting to the zoning.

They claim that the data centre will lead to electricity and water shortages because of the amount of power and water used by the centres and they also expressed concern about possible noise emanating from any future data centre.

The site is located near the Primrose Garden residential area and the meeting was organised by the recently established Kildare Data Centre Awareness Campaign.

About sixty people staged a peaceful if vocal demonstration outside Aras Chill Dara as the KCC meeting got underway.

Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear asked that KCC consider starting the statutory process to alter the Naas Local Area Plan “with a view to reviewing the existing zoning designation.”

However his motion was defeated with more than half the councillors (22) voting against and 11 backing the motion. Seven councillors abstained from the vote.

It was apparent that most of the opposition to the move came from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael politicians, who between them hold more than half the seats.

Another councillor, Sinn Féin’s Noel Connolly, tabled a similar motion.

Cllr Clear told the meeting that while he had a "benign view” of data centres when the site was zoned in 2021, not much was known about the centres “but they’re not all they’re cracked up to be.”

He called for the land to be rezoned back to agriculture use.

Cllr Connolly said he did not want the centre banned or planning decisions overturned; but the KDCAC has provided evidence-based claims and the demand for energy has intensified.

“I’m disappointed with councillors who did not engage (with the KDCAC) and effectively ignored hundreds of emails,” added Cllr Connoilly.

He added: "Please listen to the public outcry.”

Cllr Nuala Killeen said "there are a lot of concerns out there” and Cllr Claire O’Rourke said the features of the centres have changed beyond recognition in five years and “the consequences were not known in 2021.

Independent councillor Seamie Moore noted Ireland does not use fossil fuels to power the centres, like in the US. And he said poor practices at some centres were being used by some in the argument against the zoning.

Cllr Tom McDonnell said he opposed the centres and added “people are being hoodwinked.”

Cllr Aoife Breslin said that families are being pushed into energy poverty and there would be a ban on future centres. She also said that zoning needs to be reviewed in the next NLAP when the current plan expires in December 2027.

Cllr Anne Breen said she was worried about the health of local people who live in the area if a centre is built in the 54 hectare site.

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer said there are understandable concerns and, if passed, the motion could undermine confidence in the planning of future development plans.

Cllr Rob Power said addressing one item “in isolation” is not good practice.

He added: “We can, and should, keep demanding high standards from any application: closed loop cooling, and full environmental assessment before any permission is granted, as this council has done before.

“It’s true that lots have changed since 2021 but good land use planning takes account of new information on health, the environment and building standards as they emerge.

“A review of the zoning does not give us the insight that a planning application, properly scrutinised, will, so it does not give the reassurance that people have asked for and deserve.”

He said the NLAP was thorough in its consideration.

Cllr Power said he shares many of the concerns raised and said how someone voted on the motion today “doesn't define their whole view of the data centre industry (which) brings national and international challenges on energy, emissions and water.”

A joint FF/FG statement issued after the vote noted that land use zoning is an indicative mapping of what are considered potentially appropriate uses for land in an area. No objections were received from statutory agencies such as Irish Water or the energy regulator.

The statement said zoning simply designates areas on a map where specific types of development may be considered, it does not constitute planning permission. Any future proposal on this site must go through a rigorous planning application process which is fully public “with opportunities for submissions, objections, and subsequent appeals.”

The statement said the campaign should focus on any planning application because that is followed by a process which will address the specific concerns outlined.

The parties added: “It is disappointing that members of the public were advised to focus their efforts on overturning the zoning rather than engaging with the planning process itself.”

The statement said the centres are critical infrastructure, necessary to support some of the vital functions of modern life.

“Technology is moving at a great rate, we acknowledge the frustrations and anxieties felt by the public with regard to some elements of technological development. However it is not our role to regulate these complex entities and regardless of their existence, data centres would still be required to support essential daily functions in finance, healthcare, communications, and business.”

It added that Kildare benefits significantly in employment and economic activity from the technology sector, and “our proximity to strategic connectivity infrastructure brings a responsibility to accommodate essential digital development.”

The statement said that because the Naas councilors voted to zone the land specifically for a data centre this indicated to the public “in an open and transparent manner the likely land use.”

Previously, such developments would fall under a general “industrial” zoning and the NMaas councillors “aimed to prevent the haphazard proliferation of data centre applications across multiple general industrial sites in the area.”

The parties criticised some commentary on social media adding it is important to adhere to a reasonable code of conduct.

“Naming of officials, making unfounded allegations about individuals or attributing factual status to unsubstantiated opinions only serves to undermine this medium for future use. The scale of this campaign has made it impossible for many councillors across the county, to reply to every email, many of them identical in content and while we apologise for that, the role of a councillor is not a full-time position and we do not have staff. Be assured that the matter has been given very serious consideration and for the large part we applaud the commitment shown by the local community throughout this campaign.”

KCC official Alan Dunney said that any planning application will be “robustly assessed” and would take account of environmental policies.

Mr Dunney also said this motion is effectively calling into question the informed decisions made by the elected members in relation to the NLAP

He said KCC was opposed to any move to change the zoning.

He said the “appropriate course of action” is through the planning system when an application is made. He said at that stage those concerned will have the opportunity to participate and to appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, if any development is granted permission.