109. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether it is critical that Ireland generates sufficient energy to meet both housing needs and the requirements of a digital economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30257/25]

Sentiment score: 0.08

Are the Minister and his Department sufficiently ambitious to ensure that Ireland will generate sufficient energy to meet housing needs and the requirements of the digital economy?

Sentiment score: 0.78

I am glad the Minister has clarified how the ambition of the Government is to meet those future needs. The future is both green and digital. It is wrong that the debate has been presented by some as a choice between one and the other. The critical issue is that we have a sufficient supply, particularly of clean energy, to meet our future needs. On the new economy, data centres often get a very bad reputation. I want to highlight the recent €3.5 billion investment by Echelon in Arklow. This was the first grid connection for data centres approved in more than four years. Despite Sinn Féin opposition, the local Sinn Féin TD made sure to show up for the announcement of that investment and the future jobs that would be available there. I get annoyed when this is presented as a debate of one or the other. The Minister is right; we must meet the energy requirements in total.

Sentiment score: 0.09

I welcome what the Minister is saying. The Secretary General might wish to reflect on some of her words because the Minister's Department is responsible for ensuring we have a sufficient level of energy. My frustration, as I know is the Minister's, is about the delays, particularly when it comes to offshore renewables. We are talking about 5 GW of offshore wind energy being generated by 2030. Our target then will be to get up to 20 GW by 2040. We need to start thinking at that level. I do not like it being presented as we only have this much energy, so we have to make a choice. We have got to be ambitious, even if it requires the Minister banging heads together every Monday morning, to ensure that we meet the renewable energy targets to fund the housing we need but also the digital economy. I welcome the Minister's ambition in that regard. The future is both green and digital.

Sentiment score: 0.20

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. I entirely agree with Deputy Ó Murchú on the importance of district heating systems, but a very successful model to examine is the one operated by South Dublin County Council which heats facilities of TU Dublin and the council. It was opened by the previous Minister, Eamon Ryan. It provides a sufficient level of low-carbon heating to a number of connected buildings in the area. Where does that heat come from? It is generated by data centres operated in south Dublin. It is a very successful model and one that can be followed.

Sentiment score: 0.22