Ireland Tallies €18 Billion Across 105 Data Centres as Study Warns FDI Risk
Updated
Updated · Business Plus · May 27
Ireland Tallies €18 Billion Across 105 Data Centres as Study Warns FDI Risk
1 articles · Updated · Business Plus · May 27
A Digital Infrastructure Ireland-commissioned study says data centre companies have invested €18 billion in Ireland across 105 facilities, calling the sector critical to the country's digital and investment base.
The report warns that limits on new data centre development—especially energy restrictions—are pushing tech groups to route projects elsewhere, risking future foreign direct investment and potentially the location of intellectual property assets.
That matters for tax receipts: the study links data centres to Ireland's wider tech tax base, noting the sector paid €107.5 billion in taxes here and that 2024 computer-services exports reached €278.7 billion, or 57.7% of service exports.
Minister Timmy Dooley and industry chair Maurice Mortell said recent government plans on grid connections, large energy users and digital strategy must now translate into delivery, with AI growth expected to require significantly more data-centre capacity.
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Ireland’s Data Centre Revolution: Navigating New Regulations, Grid Limits, and the Race for Sustainable Digital Growth (2026)
Overview
Ireland's data centre sector is undergoing a major transformation following the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' new connection policy, announced in December 2025. This decision, shaped by extensive consultation, is set to influence the country's digital infrastructure by requiring data centre developers to navigate wholesale energy markets and comply with existing regulatory controls. The launch of the Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) in January 2026 further highlights the need for data centres to demonstrate their social license to operate. Together, these changes mark a pivotal shift, balancing technological growth with sustainable energy practices and clear regulatory pathways.