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Extra.ie
a day ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach backs data centres in bid to stay ahead in AI race
'Workarounds' to restrictions on data centres are being explored by the Government so Ireland can keep pace with the 'AI revolution'. Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised 'ill-informed' debate on data centres in the Dáil and called for more 'sensible' discussions about the matter. He said that Government departments and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) are examining the future of the data centre moratorium in Dublin. Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire It comes despite concerns that data centres are consuming so much power that they are putting the delivery of new homes at risk and driving up energy bills. A senior civil servant last week warned Ireland will have to choose between 'housing or AI', as they eat up so much energy that the capacity to connect new homes to the electricity grid is affected. But the Fianna Fáil leader doubled down on plans to build more data centres, amid claims from the tech sector that the de facto moratorium is stalling the creation of thousands of jobs. A file image of a data centre. Pic: Shutterstock Mr Martin said that he 'would be confident in the post-2030 era' that Ireland will be generating enough renewable energy 'to deal with the AI revolution' and the impact the technology and data centres have on the environment and energy supplies. Mr Martin said the debate on data centres is 'ill-informed' and criticised the focus on regulation over innovation at an EU level. Demand for data centres soared following the emergence of artificial intelligence, which relies on the facilities for storage, power and data processing. Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Pic: Simon Wohlfahrt/Bloomberg via Getty Images But Opposition TDs and environmentalists have cited the strain they place on the grid and their environmental impact. Concerns over their energy use resulted in Eirgrid introducing a de facto moratorium on new data centres in Dublin in 2022, which is set to last until 2028. But in an address at the Global Economic Summit last week, Mr Martin highlighted the economic need for Ireland and Europe to keep pace with other global economies in the 'AI revolution'. 'The digital and green economies, we can't separate them out. They're both key pillars of the future, and we've got to work extremely hard to work out how we develop both,' he said. 'We've had a relatively negative domestic debate about data centres, which I think has been ill-informed and has not had perspective… 'We need perspective on these issues, because people increasingly want the services that the digital world provides. 'We've got to work on where we provide the energy, and to match that. We [need to] just get sensible about the debate and how we work our way through it.' The Taoiseach said that Europe is 'way behind in AI as a continent compared to the US and China' – a point that he said was frequently made by US executives on his St Patrick's Day visits. Responding to queries from the Taoiseach said the Government and the energy regulator are reviewing the embargo on new data centres in the capital. 'The regulator is looking at the [moratorium] with the Department of Climate and Environment and is working with the Department of Enterprise in mapping out the next number of years in terms of how we can deal with this. Because I would be confident in the post-2030 era that we will have sufficient renewables coming on board to deal with the AI revolution and the impact it's having on the consumption of energy,' Mr Martin said. The Fianna Fáil leader acknowledged the 'realities about what the energy grid can provide'. extremely hard to work out how we develop both,' he said. 'We've had a relatively negative domestic debate about data centres, which I think has been ill-informed and has not had perspective… 'We need perspective on these issues, because people increasingly want the services that the digital world provides. 'We've got to work on where we provide the energy,y and to match that. We [need to] just get sensible about the debate and how we work our way through it.' The Taoiseach said that Europe is 'way behind in AI as a continent compared to the US and China' – a point that he said was frequently made by US executives on his St Patrick's Day visits. Responding to queries from the Taoiseach said the Government and the energy regulator are reviewing the embargo on new data centres in the capital. 'The regulator is looking at the [moratorium] with the Department of Climate and Environment and is working with the Department of Enterprise in mapping out the next number of years in terms of how we can deal with this. Because I would be confident in the post-2030 era that we will have sufficient renewables coming on board to deal with the AI revolution and the impact it's having on the consumption of energy,' Mr Martin said. The Fianna Fáil leader acknowledged the 'realities about what the energy grid can provide'. But he welcomed a recent CRU policy paper, which included a proposal requiring data centres to build plants to store electricity on site. He added: 'There are workarounds to this, and that's what the Government – with the two departments that I've mentioned, plus the CRU are now looking at.' Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) last summer showed that data centre demand increased by 1,064 gigawatt-hours (GWh), or 20%, in 2023. Research from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) showed that renewable power connected to the grid, primarily from wind and solar projects, grew by an almost identical amount in the same year, meaning the growth in clean power achieved in 2023 was entirely cancelled out by the growth in electricity demand from data centres. In 2023, for the first time, Ireland's data centres consumed more electricity last year than all of its urban homes combined. Data centres consumed 21% of energy from the grid that year, compared to 18% used to power homes across the country. Dublin is the world's third-largest data centre hub, according to a study by US-based analyst Synergy Research Group last year. Social Democrats spokeswoman on climate, the environment and energy, Jennifer Whitmore, said that changing State policy on data centres without proper consultation would be 'very dangerous' for the economy. The Wicklow TD said Ireland has had a 'turbulent' number of years in terms of energy security, citing warnings of blackouts in the past five years. 'By 2030, 30% of Ireland's energy supply could be going towards data centres. This compares to an EU average of 3%. We are already overstretching ourselves,' she said. The data centre firm Equinix last week cited research it commissioned by KPMG, which found plans for new data centre in south Dublin would support a further 10,000 jobs and contribute €200million to the economy. Secretary General of the Department of Energy, Oonagh Buckley, said last week that Ireland faces a choice between providing energy for data centres or housing – a claim that has been characterised as 'not true' by the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach was also critical about the EU's approach to data centres and AI, saying that there is a perception of the bloc being 'overly focused on regulation to the detriment of innovation'. However, he welcomed a 'shift in attitude' from European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in recent weeks and highlighted the recent AI summit in France, initiated by French president Emmanuel Macron, as 'particularly useful'. In a statement, the Department of Enterprise said that there has been 'cross-Government engagement between departments and with the data centre sector' to inform CRU policy on large energy users and 'ensure that all views are understood by Government and the regulator' before proposals are implemented. A spokeswoman for the Department of the Environment, Energy and Climate said that Ireland's relationship with the tech sector is 'really important, and the Government continues to work with the sector towards a secure and decarbonised energy future'.
The Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Former senior Trump official says special relationship with Ireland won't stop president's trade war
Mairead Maguire IRELAND WILL LIKELY become collateral damage in Donald Trump's efforts to put America first – but it's nothing personal. That's according to Mick Mulvaney, a former Republican congressman who was Trump's acting chief of staff in his first term and who has a unique insight into how the president operates. He spoke to The Journal at the Global Economic Summit in Killarney, where tariffs and trade were headline issues. Trump, Mulvaney says, wants to make deals where everyone wins. But if that's not possible, he'll make sure America wins, even at the cost of special relationships. 'His first interest is to take care of Americans. It's not to say, 'You know what, I hate Ireland. Let's just stick it to them'. That's not how this works. 'Why are American businesses doing business in Ireland when they could be doing it in the United States? That's the perspective.' Mulvaney said, however, that there is a real connection with Ireland. 'It's familial, it's cultural. 'The Irish are so naturally good at diplomacy. It is one of your competitive advantages in the world marketplace. I don't understand why it's been struggling the last two years.' Mulvaney says 'dramatic missteps' made by the Irish government – particularly in relation to Palestine – have caused a 'blip' in the strong relationship. He said he understands the parallels between Ireland and Palestine, and the government's decision to join Spain and Norway in recognising it as a state, but he claims Washington was blindsided by it. 'What I don't understand is why nobody called us beforehand. Friends don't do that to each other. 'I found out about it in the press. I understand that my government found out about it in the press.' Then-Tánaiste Micheál Martin announced his intention for Ireland to recognise the state of Palestine weeks in advance, after months of discussions. The government is set to green light the Occupied Territories Bill – another move expected to ruffle Republican feathers. Officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been revising the bill, making substantial amendments to the original text in order to bring it in line with the constitution and reduce the risk of a clash with EU law. As a result, the bill is expected to only cover goods and not services, such as products from online tech companies. Advertisement Even in its revised, stripped-back version, Mulvaney says the bill is unlikely to be well received in Washington. 'If you're pro-Palestinian, to half of my country you have to explain why that's not antisemitic.' On the trade war with Europe, Mulvaney's reading of the situation is that Republicans don't see the bloc as a viable ally in the long run. This, he says, is partly because the priorities for many younger European voters, such as climate change, conflict with Washington's priorities. Trump this week paused his threatened 50% tariffs on the European Union until 9 July, postponing them from the original 1 June deadline he had initially given. 'A weird time' Mulvaney quit his role in the White House after the Capitol riots of 6 January 2021. He was a Republican congressman in the House of Representatives before becoming director of the Office of Management and Budget and then acting chief of staff for Trump. He also sought out the role of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, as he's 'been coming here for 20 years'. His ancestors are from Mayo. Mulvaney now regularly appears in American and international media as a commentator on politics and economics. He says it's a 'weird time' for his country, as significant figures in both the Republican and Democratic parties are aging. Joe Biden, who dropped out of the presidential race last year, recently announced a cancer diagnosis. As for Trump, the constitution prevents him for running for a third term. Mulvaney believes the 2028 presidential race will be of particular importance. 'It will represent generational change in both parties, and that will be fascinating to see.' Both parties, he says, have a good lineup of potential candidates. His ones to watch? Within the Democratic Party: Senator Cory Booker, Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, and congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Among Republicans, he tips current vice president JD Vance to run. Florida governor Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are also ones to watch. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Business Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Post
Watch: ‘Irish tech security is being targeted by China and Russia...we need to wake up'
Ireland needs to 'wake up' and realise China and Russia are deeply interested in Irish security frailties amid escalating global tensions, the Global Economic Summit ...
North Wales Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
EU engaging ‘sensibly' with US administration following tariff threat
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he believes the US is anxious to reach a deal on trade with the EU, and that Donald Trump's administration has issues it wants resolved through the negotiations. It comes as Mr Trump said he will pause his threatened 50% tariffs on the EU until July 9, following a 'very nice call' with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In April, Mr Trump announced a 20% tariff on EU goods being sold into the US. He later reduced that to 10% until July 9 to allow for time for talks with Brussels on a potential agreement. On Friday, Mr Trump claimed the talks were 'going nowhere' and said he was recommending that the 50% tariff rate comes into effect on June 1. He rowed back on the decision on Monday, claiming that Ms Von der Leyen called him asking for extension to the date. Mr Martin, who attended the Global Economic Summit in Killarney, Co Kerry, on Monday, welcomed the move. 'I do believe that the European Union has been engaging sensibly on this. I do believe the US side is anxious to get a deal on this that's sustainable too,' he said. 'They have issues, the US have issues that they want resolved through this negotiation. 'But all of the indications in terms of the interaction between Maros (Sefcovic) and his counterparts is that they wanted a deal here. 'Europe has responded, so far, in a fairly modest and sensible way. 'We need to stay focused on those sectors that Ireland is doing well in, and I've been in fairly regular contact now over the last four months with leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, medtech and the technology industry. 'I spoke to a lot of CEOs, getting their perspective on what's happening in the US, and also their own sense of how it affects their companies and their facilities. 'Suffice to say that I think everybody so far appreciates the European Union's approach in terms of not overreacting to various announcements and to various decisions, but rather to focus on a negotiating resolution to this. 'I welcome the conversation that President Trump has had with President Von der Leyen, and that we're back to the original timetable of July for what Europe and the US to negotiate a deal. 'But tariffs are not good for our economy. They're not good for the world economy. They're not good for consumers. 'It's absolutely important that we can get a realistic and reasonable deal between Europe and the United States to help consumers, to help citizens across the world.' Mr Martin said there is a lot of 'wait and see' among businesses and investors, saying that many are uncertain about the future. He said that uncertainty changes the public's spending behaviour, which has an impact on the domestic economy. In a statement, Tanaiste Simon Harris said: 'I want to welcome confirmation from President Trump that the threatened higher tariffs are paused until July 9. 'This follows contact between President Von der Leyen and the US President who spoke yesterday, as well as the discussions on Friday between Commissioner Sefcovic and his US counterparts. 'These contacts at the highest political level present the opportunity for negotiations to move forward. This is our priority. We want to see meaningful and substantive talks. 'The EU-US economic relationship is an engine of growth for the entire world. 'There is no doubt that the circumstances are challenging at present but I am confident that we can find a way forward. 'Ireland will continue to contribute actively and positively to these efforts. I remain in close and ongoing contact with Commissioner Sefcovic and with our EU partners and, of course, we will continue our outreach to the US. 'We have much work to do and no time to waste to find a deal that that is good for both economies and protects jobs and investment.'
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
EU engaging ‘sensibly' with US administration following tariff threat
The European Union has been engaging 'sensibly' with the US administration over its threatened tariffs on all EU imports, Ireland's premier has said, as he welcomed a decision to pause the move until July. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he believes the US is anxious to reach a deal on trade with the EU, and that Donald Trump's administration has issues it wants resolved through the negotiations. It comes as Mr Trump said he will pause his threatened 50% tariffs on the EU until July 9, following a 'very nice call' with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In April, Mr Trump announced a 20% tariff on EU goods being sold into the US. He later reduced that to 10% until July 9 to allow for time for talks with Brussels on a potential agreement. On Friday, Mr Trump claimed the talks were 'going nowhere' and said he was recommending that the 50% tariff rate comes into effect on June 1. He rowed back on the decision on Monday, claiming that Ms Von der Leyen called him asking for extension to the date. Mr Martin, who attended the Global Economic Summit in Killarney, Co Kerry, on Monday, welcomed the move. 'I do believe that the European Union has been engaging sensibly on this. I do believe the US side is anxious to get a deal on this that's sustainable too,' he said. 'They have issues, the US have issues that they want resolved through this negotiation. 'But all of the indications in terms of the interaction between Maros (Sefcovic) and his counterparts is that they wanted a deal here. 'Europe has responded, so far, in a fairly modest and sensible way. 'We need to stay focused on those sectors that Ireland is doing well in, and I've been in fairly regular contact now over the last four months with leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, medtech and the technology industry. 'I spoke to a lot of CEOs, getting their perspective on what's happening in the US, and also their own sense of how it affects their companies and their facilities. 'Suffice to say that I think everybody so far appreciates the European Union's approach in terms of not overreacting to various announcements and to various decisions, but rather to focus on a negotiating resolution to this. 'I welcome the conversation that President Trump has had with President Von der Leyen, and that we're back to the original timetable of July for what Europe and the US to negotiate a deal. 'But tariffs are not good for our economy. They're not good for the world economy. They're not good for consumers. 'It's absolutely important that we can get a realistic and reasonable deal between Europe and the United States to help consumers, to help citizens across the world.' Mr Martin said there is a lot of 'wait and see' among businesses and investors, saying that many are uncertain about the future. He said that uncertainty changes the public's spending behaviour, which has an impact on the domestic economy. In a statement, Tanaiste Simon Harris said: 'I want to welcome confirmation from President Trump that the threatened higher tariffs are paused until July 9. 'This follows contact between President Von der Leyen and the US President who spoke yesterday, as well as the discussions on Friday between Commissioner Sefcovic and his US counterparts. 'These contacts at the highest political level present the opportunity for negotiations to move forward. This is our priority. We want to see meaningful and substantive talks. 'The EU-US economic relationship is an engine of growth for the entire world. 'There is no doubt that the circumstances are challenging at present but I am confident that we can find a way forward. 'Ireland will continue to contribute actively and positively to these efforts. I remain in close and ongoing contact with Commissioner Sefcovic and with our EU partners and, of course, we will continue our outreach to the US. 'We have much work to do and no time to waste to find a deal that that is good for both economies and protects jobs and investment.'
