Thousands protest in Dublin against new data centres

Around 2,000 people marched in Dublin calling for a moratorium on new data centres, citing environmental and climate concerns. Protesters disputed the economic case for expansion, while Enterprise Minister Peter Burke described it as a strategic opportunity for Ireland.

• About 2,000 people marched from Parnell Square to Leinster House, with groups from Kildare, Waterford, Wicklow and Clare among them.· 1 source
• Demonstrators called for a moratorium on all new data centres until their full impact can be assessed, citing emissions, water and noise pollution, and electricity prices.· 1 source
• Protesters said the requirement for new data centres to source 80% of their electricity from renewables does not go far enough, and argued that the facilities create few jobs.· 1 source
• A Government-commissioned report published in June attributed €22 billion added to the economy, 17,000 jobs and €2.8 billion in tax since 2010 to data centres.· 1 source
• The Irish Times snippet said groups hoped the rally would prompt the Government to impose a moratorium, and noted nearly 100 protests across 16 European countries.· 1 source
• The Journal described the Dublin demonstration as Ireland’s first national protest against data centres and said it was part of a Europe-wide day of action involving more than 85 groups in 10 countries.· 1 source