New York has temporarily halted the construction of new data centres, prompting calls for Ireland to follow suit, according to environmental group Friends of the Earth. The organisation argued that a ban on new data centres should be the “bare minimum” to address growing environmental concerns.
The decision in New York comes amid rising scrutiny over the energy consumption and carbon footprint of data centres, which are critical for cloud computing and digital services. Friends of the Earth highlighted the need for stricter regulations to limit the environmental impact of these facilities.
Ireland, which hosts several major data centres, faces increasing pressure to balance economic benefits with sustainability goals. While no immediate action has been announced, the debate reflects a broader global trend toward rethinking the environmental costs of digital infrastructure.
The call for a ban underscores the growing influence of environmental advocacy in shaping policy decisions related to technology and energy use. (thejournal.ie)
