A study by UCC, commissioned by Friends of the Earth Ireland, reveals that the rapid growth of data centres is undermining Ireland’s climate commitments. Since 2015, electricity demand from these facilities has surged at an annual rate of nearly 23%, consuming all new wind energy generated between 2017 and 2023. The findings warn of increased reliance on fossil fuels and call for government reconsideration of data centre expansion, highlighting potential environmental risks amid rising energy consumption. Experts emphasize the urgent need for sustainable planning.