Ireland’s data centres now use almost a quarter of the country’s electricity

Data centres in Ireland accounted for 23 % of total metered electricity consumption in 2025, rising from just 5 % in 2015. The sector’s demand grew 10 % year‑on‑year, reaching 7,663 GWh in 2025 and is projected to approach one‑third of national electricity use by 2030. A 2021 Irish Water estimate of 810 megalitres of water use per year for the whole sector was challenged by a single Meta site that reportedly withdrew 928 megalitres, highlighting gaps in reporting. Under EU rules, facilities drawing 500 kW or more must report energy and water use, yet only about 15 % have complied, and there are no penalties for non‑reporting.

The government cites a KPMG report claiming data centres “enable” 875,000 jobs and €100 billion of economic activity, while a Friends of the Earth analysis suggests the sector adds roughly €90‑€360 to household electricity bills annually. New regulations will permit data centres to generate their own power, requiring at least 80 % of annual demand from renewable sources after a six‑year transition period, a timeline critics say is too long to curb gas‑turbine use.

These figures have sparked political debate, with environmental groups urging stricter measurement and accountability as AI‑driven demand for computing power continues to rise.