€1.6 Billion Data Centre Project in Ennis Cleared for Development

The path is now clear for the construction of a €1.6 billion data centre campus on the outskirts of Ennis, County Clare, after Art Data Centres Ltd secured a final High Court ruling in its favour. The decision removes the last legal obstacles facing the project, allowing enabling works to commence.

High Court Dismisses Final Challenge

Mr. Justice Richard Humphreys dismissed the judicial review proceedings brought by opponents of the data centre, including Colin Doyle, Friends of the Irish Environment CLG, Futureproof Clare, Martin Knox, and Christine Sharp. The 64-page judgement effectively concludes a lengthy legal battle over the proposed development.

Project Details and Economic Impact

The data centre, planned by Art Data Centres Ltd, will comprise six data halls covering 145 acres (1.3 million square feet) adjacent to the Tulla Road, near Junction 13 on the M18 motorway connecting Galway to Limerick. The project is expected to generate substantial economic activity in Ennis and the wider region.

Art Data Centres estimates the project will create up to 1,200 construction jobs, thousands of additional support roles, and approximately 1,000 permanent positions once operational. The company also anticipates the development will underpin thousands more jobs in digital industries.

Phased Development and Timeline

The project will be rolled out in three phases, with a total investment exceeding €1.6 billion. Phase One, including the electrical substation, Data Halls 2 and 3, and associated site works, is scheduled for completion and commissioning by the end of 2028.

Environmental Considerations

Joint founders of Art Data Centres, Tom McNamara and Vincent Fogarty, emphasized the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability. They stated the judgement “recognises that there is a future for environmentally-sensitive data centre developments like ours, where there is responsible use of renewable energy, grid-supporting generation technology and heat-recycling for both agri-food and local heating schemes.”

Addressing Previous Legal Challenges

Planning permission for the scheme was initially granted by An Bord Pleanála in April 2024. However, the project faced delays due to a High Court judicial review. In 2025, the court ruled that an issue concerning a Leisler bat was not sufficient to halt the development. The remaining legal challenge concerned a derogation licence, which has now been resolved in favour of Art Data Centres.

Next Steps

A spokeswoman for Art Data Centres stated that initial works will focus on enabling works, including the diversion of overhead power lines in cooperation with EirGrid and ESB Networks. The company is also working to finalize a connection agreement for the data centres.