Photograph: Getty ImagesFear of electricity blackouts has prompted Irish authorities to set down new protocols for data centre operators. Under a new code, data centres would be required to remain connected to the grid during the millisecond-long faults that sometimes arise on the electricity system. The same issue has been flagged in countries worldwide where data centres are expanding and increasing their demand for power. Ireland has seen a sharp increase in the amount of data centres in operation in recent years, but are they necessary for economic growth? Video: Enda O'DowdThe derogation would run for two years, after which all data centres – and other large energy users such as big manufacturing plants – would have to comply.

Source: The Irish Times April 02, 2026 06:31 UTC