“Data Centres Given Go Ahead, While Power Supply is at Amber Alert and Farmers are Getting it in the Neck ”

“Data Centres Given Go Ahead, While Power Supply is at Amber Alert and Farmers are Getting it in the Neck ” - Tóibín

Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has criticised the announcement of Planning Permissions being given to two more Amazon data centres in North Dublin.

Speaking today, Peadar Tóibín said “Data centres accounted for 14pc of all electricity demand in the state last year. Eirgrid estimates that this will rise to 29pc by 2028. Only this week, permission was granted for two more data centres to be built in Dublin. This comes at a time when our national grid is in a seriously fragile position. Last week, over two days there were 2 separate amber alters. This level of consumption is simply not sustainable. That the government is allowing this to happen is incredible.”

Tóibín continued “By allowing such runaway consumption, the government is taking a dangerous gamble at a time when our fuel, gas and electricity situation is in a precarious position. It puts families trying to heat their homes at risk of power outages. Its illogical to allow one sector to have such a large portion of the electricity market in Ireland.”

“That this is happening at the same time, the government continues to blame Irish farmers for climate change is incredible. It seems to be the case of ‘two Data Centres good but 4 legs bad’. The government is punishing farmers by docking their income by up 21% and at the same time allowing major international businesses to radically increase energy consumption in Ireland. Its not enough that the Amazon business model is wiping out so much indigenous businesses on what is a low tax model but its clear that there is one rule for their data centres in Ireland and another for the family farmer.” concluded Tóibín

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.