A €1.2 billion data centre development in Clare can proceed following a number of legal challenges.
Developers Art Data Centres Ltd initially sought permission in 2021, with An Bord Pleanala approving in 2022.
However, the project met pushback from Dr Colin Doyle, Friends of the Irish Environment CLG, Futureproof Clare, Martin Knox and Christine Sharp, who took the matter to the High Court.
In March, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissed the final objection to the project, concerning a derogation license due to a bat colony in the area.
Work can now begin on the site near Ennis in Co Clare.
The development sees the demolition of an existing single-storey with pitched roof farm dwelling house and eight other farm outbuildings.
In its wake, Art Data Centres Ltd look to build six two-storey data centre buildings with three storeys of plant and office levels.
It will have a combined gross floor area of 118,740 square metres. The halls will reach a maximum height of 19 metres.
Each data centre will include data halls, associated electrical and mechanical plant rooms, loading bays, maintenance and storage spaces, office administration areas, pump rooms, water storage tanks, and plant.
Each building will have 11 backup diesel generators.
The project also sees the construction of a gas powered energy centre, comprising 18 lean-burn natural gas engines, two pump rooms and a fuel storage compound.
It includes two single-storey buildings for 20/10 kV switchgear control and a two=storey Vertical Farm building.
Developers have planned solar panels for each of the data centres as well as provisions for rainwater harvesting.
Credit: Art Data Centres
