Energy review could mean data centres being encouraged to locate in Mayo - senator

A Mayo Oireachtas member has welcomed the decision of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to enter into consultations with EirGrid on the future of Ireland's electricity system.

Senator Lisa Chambers said she particularly liked the idea that the department might look to rebalance things across the regions.

She elaborated: "Data centres, for example, could be asked or encouraged by the government to locate in areas where the grid is not under pressure.

"That would mean such centres not locating in the east of the country, as they have been doing, but coming to, for example, the west of Ireland.

"Mayo would be happy to welcome new investment in energy.

"There is plenty of space and that would be a welcome initiative in rebalancing investment and growth across the regions.

"The consultation process aims to achieve 70% renewable electricity by 2030. It is an ambitious, high but achievable target."