Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman says he is concerned about the number of data centres being developed in Ireland, including a proposed development in Kilmeaden in County Waterford.

Speaking to WLR ahead of a visit to Waterford, Deputy O’Gorman said his party believes there should be a pause on the development of new data centres until the national electricity grid has been expanded.

He says the current level of data centre development is putting pressure on Ireland’s energy system.

Deputy O’Gorman said 23 percent of the electricity generated in Ireland now goes directly to data centres.

He also said existing data centres should contribute through a levy towards the expansion of the electricity grid.

The Green Party leader was asked specifically about the proposed data centre in Kilmeaden and said he would be concerned about the development under the party’s current policy.

Deputy O’Gorman was speaking ahead of a meeting with Waterford Green Party members, with the party beginning preparations for the 2029 local elections.

He also outlined the Green Party’s proposals for Budget 2027, including a proposed €2.5 billion fossil fuel inflation fund.

The party says the fund would support measures such as home retrofitting, solar panel installation and electric vehicles, while also providing targeted energy credits to help households with immediate costs.

Deputy O’Gorman also defended the Green Party’s record in government, while acknowledging that its messaging could have been better in some areas.

He said the party’s priority during its time in government was to get policies implemented, including measures relating to climate action, public transport and childcare.

He also defended investment in active travel measures, saying improvements to cycling and pedestrian infrastructure are ultimately aimed at making roads safer for vulnerable road users.