Plans for a significant data center project located in County Mayo are now facing substantial delays. The proposed development, situated in Coolcashlugg near Castlebar, requires additional time for the developer to address specific technical and infrastructural requirements.
The project has been the subject of considerable local opposition, with concerns raised about its potential environmental impact and significant demand on the national electricity supply. Prominent voices, including acclaimed author Sally Rooney, have publicly opposed the plans.
The delays have arisen as the company behind the proposal seeks to work through details related to connecting the facility to the national grid operator, EirGrid. Reliable and sufficient electricity supply is a critical component for any large data center, and securing this connection often involves complex technical assessments and infrastructure upgrades.
This development is the latest step in a lengthy process for the Mayo data center. The project has navigated various stages of the planning permission system, including reviews and challenges at An Bord Pleanála, the national planning authority. Previous decisions regarding approval have faced scrutiny and the potential for judicial review.
The temporary halt allows the developer further opportunity to refine their plans and address the outstanding technical aspects, particularly concerning the EirGrid connection. While not a cancellation, these delays indicate the ongoing complexity and challenges involved in bringing such large-scale technological infrastructure projects to fruition, especially in the face of public and environmental concerns. The future timeline for the proposed data center in Mayo remains uncertain as these issues are resolved.
Source: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/data-center-project-opposed-by-sally-rooney-in-county-mayo-ireland-hit-by-delays/
