Residents are set to take part in a slow-driving convoy through Kilmeaden today in protest against a proposed data centre development in the area.

The demonstration will meet at Ballyduff School car park at 11am before travelling through Kilmeaden, via Kildermody, to the roundabout at Supermac’s on the Cork Road.

The convoy will then travel back through Kilmeaden to finish, with organisers inviting tractors, vans, cars and bikes to take part.

The protest comes as Waterford City and County Council continues to consider a planning application for a technology park on a brownfield site in Kilmeaden.

The wider proposal also includes new residential housing and community amenities in the village.

Those organising today’s demonstration have said they want to continue drawing attention to the proposed development and their opposition to the data centre element of the plans.

Echelon Data Centres says it is committed to delivering digital infrastructure ‘responsibly and sustainably’.

In a statement issued ahead of the protest, the company said its facilities are designed and developed in line with regulatory guidelines and in consultation with community representatives.

Echelon said its developments create jobs, support the national grid, help bring large-scale renewable energy onstream and generate economic activity in communities.

The company said the Kilmeaden planning application remains under consideration by Waterford City and County Council and added that it would not be appropriate to discuss the application further while that process is ongoing.

A decision on the planning application is due on October 19th.