The data centre, the bat, and the High Court decision

The mere mention of a bat roost in a recent High Court case grabbed headlines, but what should also be known is that bats have found ways to slow down ageing

All Irish species listed in the EU's Habitats Directive, including bats, are protected by the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021. Picture: Noel Marry

Some would have thought the courts had gone "batty" if a major data centre development was stopped by a single nocturnal creature living in a barn nearby.

On the face of it, it sounded like the High Court was asked last week to halt a massive data centre, earmarked for the outskirts of Ennis, Co Clare, because a single bat roost could have been disturbed.