Kilmeaden data centre plans rejected amid concerns over power demand and rural landscape

The proposed 203-megawatt development faced hundreds of objections, with the council also citing wastewater, flooding and village character concerns

There have been numerous protests in Kilmeaden against the proposed data centres.

A proposed large-scale data centre in rural Waterford has been refused planning permission because of concerns about its potential strain on the electricity grid and its ability to act as a “visual intrusion” for neighbouring residents.

The development, proposed by data centre operator Echelon, would have featured three large information and communications technology (ICT) centres on the grounds of a former cheese factory in Kilmeaden, Co Waterford.

The project would have covered 108 hectares and included 16 gas turbines, a solar farm, a mixed-use building, a community centre and apartment buildings.

Electricity grid and environmental concerns

In its decision letter, Waterford City and County Council raised concerns about the failure to demonstrate sufficient existing capacity on the electricity grid, the lack of planned on-site renewable energy generation and the failure to engage with corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs).

These agreements allow companies to purchase electricity directly from renewable energy generators.

“The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed development would be in accordance with the overarching objectives of the Climate Action Plan 2025, by reference to reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions and the broader principles and allowances set out in the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres,” the decision letter read.

“The applicant has not provided any evidence that the proposed development could additionally avail of new locally generated renewable power for the development and that there is sufficient capacity in the grid to service the development.

“The proposed development would have potential for significant adverse impacts on the environment and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.” 

The council also raised concerns that the development would disrupt the rural landscape and result in a “loss of village character”.

It found that there was no adequate wastewater network in place and no evidence demonstrating that the development would not create a significant flood risk.

Hundreds of submissions against Kilmeaden data centre

The proposal has faced strong opposition since its initial planning application in September 2025.

The plans attracted around 500 submissions and prompted recent go-slow protests through the village, which has approximately 300 residents.

The development was proposed by Crag Rathnew DC and Kent Homes Ltd, both subsidiaries of Echelon.

Echelon is also developing the DUB10 data centre in Clondalkin, which recently attracted controversy following numerous complaints from residents about excessive noise.

Recent submissions opposing the Kilmeaden project cited the Clondalkin facility as a reason to halt the development.

Sinn Féin TD welcomes refusal

The decision to refuse planning permission was welcomed by opposition TDs.

“The strength of feeling in the community was clear, and residents deserve great credit for the work they put into this campaign,” said Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness.

“This was not a minor development: it would have had an average electricity demand of approximately 203 megawatts.

“I have consistently argued that developments of this scale must be properly assessed in the context of their full environmental and infrastructure impacts. We will continue to stand resolutely with the Kilmeaden community and ensure their concerns are taken seriously.”