Bestselling author Sally Rooney has joined a growing chorus of voices opposing the construction of a proposed data center in Killala,North Mayo. The project, spearheaded by Mayo Data Hub Ltd, seeks to build a sprawling 29,076 square meter facility at the Killala Business Park, complete with data halls, mechanical plant rooms, and ancillary infrastructure. The development also includes plans for 56 parking spaces, 12 of which will feature electric vehicle charging points, as well as cycling infrastructure and footpaths.
The site, onc home to the Asahi synthetic fibre plant—a cornerstone of the local economy from the mid-1970s until its closure in 1997—has sparked notable debate. Among the numerous submissions to Mayo County Council,Rooney’s stands out. The acclaimed author of and has called for the council to reject what she describes as a “wasteful, unnecessary, and environmentally toxic proposal.”
In her detailed objection, Rooney highlighted the staggering energy consumption of data centres in Ireland.“In 2023,private corporate data centres accounted for 21% of Ireland’s total electricity usage—more than all urban households combined,” she wrote. “While residential electricity use fell between 2022 and 2023, overall consumption still grew, driven largely by data centres.”
Rooney also raised concerns about the project’s carbon footprint. “Because the projected carbon emissions of this project are so high, the applicants will be required by law to ‘offset’ those emissions through ‘carbon credits,’” she explained. “Setting aside the complex legal instruments involved here and simply paying attention to the basic physics, this means greenhouse gases will in fact be emitted.”
She argued that data centres like this one offer little societal value while exacting a heavy environmental toll. “Data centres wreak environmental destruction without providing much social, economic, or cultural value at all,” she said. “What do these centres actually do? They facilitate internet use and store data. No doubt, the internet is an importent part of contemporary life, and our emails and photographs have to be stored somewhere. But in 2015,data centres accounted for 5% of Ireland’s energy usage; they now account for over 20%.This gigantic proliferation has not been matched by any meaningful improvement in the quality or accessibility of internet services.”
Rooney also pointed to the role of online advertising in driving the demand for data centres. “Some estimates suggest that online ads account for 50% of internet data usage; others put the figure between 60% and 80%,” she noted. “Advertising, needless to say, is pointless. It adds no value to the real economy. It does not improve overall quality of life for anyone. It is an utter waste of resources. At the best of times, this seems a shame; at a time of urgent global crisis, it is indeed a catastrophe.”
Beyond environmental concerns, rooney warned of the strain such a facility could place on the national grid. “By increasing the pressure on the grid, data centres like this one run the risk of triggering power blackouts for the rest of us,” she said. “EirGrid already bans new electricity connections for data centres in Dublin for this reason. Not only would this proposed data centre represent a wasteful use of precious and limited electricity; it could also endanger that vital resource for other users, including hospitals and homes.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Chris Stark, a lahardane resident, who argued that the data centre’s reliance on the national grid would undermine Ireland’s climate commitments. “The granting of permission to data centres cannot be justified if the plant cannot be entirely powered by renewable energy,” he wrote. “It will lead to an increase in Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) between now and 2030, contravening the Climate Act, Climate Action Plan, National Planning Framework, and MCC’s own Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024.”
Other objections came from groups like Not Here Not Anywhere, which campaigns against fossil fuel exploration. Their submission focused on the broader environmental and climate impacts of the proposed development. Additional concerns were raised about the lack of community engagement and perceived omissions in the planning application.
A decision on the project is expected by January 24, leaving the future of the Killala data centre hanging in the balance. As the debate continues, the voices of Rooney and others underscore the tension between technological progress and environmental sustainability in an era defined by climate urgency.
Given Sally Rooney’s strong stance against the proposed Killala data center,what specific environmental concerns about data centers in Ireland did she highlight in the interview?
Interview with Bestselling Author Sally Rooney on Her opposition to the Proposed Killala Data Center
archyde News: Thank you for joining us today,Sally.Your recent objection to the proposed data center in Killala, North Mayo, has sparked significant discussion. Can you share what motivated you to speak out against this project?
Sally Rooney: Thank you for having me. My motivation stems from a deep concern about the environmental and societal implications of this project. As someone who cares deeply about the future of our planet and the well-being of local communities, I felt compelled to raise my voice. The proposed data center represents a significant step in the wrong direction, both in terms of sustainability and community benefit.
Archyde News: In your objection, you highlighted the staggering energy consumption of data centers in Ireland. Can you elaborate on why this is such a pressing issue?
Sally Rooney: Absolutely. The numbers are alarming. In 2023, private corporate data centers accounted for 21% of Ireland’s total electricity usage—more than all urban households combined. While residential electricity use has been decreasing,overall consumption is still rising,largely due to data centers. This is unsustainable. We’re already facing a climate crisis, and projects like this exacerbate the problem by increasing our reliance on energy-intensive infrastructure. It’s not just about the energy they consume; it’s about the carbon emissions they generate and the long-term impact on our habitat.
Archyde News: You’ve also raised concerns about the project’s carbon footprint and the use of carbon credits. Can you explain why you find this approach problematic?
Sally rooney: Certainly. The developers have acknowledged that the project will have a significant carbon footprint, and they plan to offset these emissions through carbon credits. While this might sound like a solution, it’s essentially a form of greenwashing. Carbon credits allow companies to continue emitting greenhouse gases by investing in projects that supposedly reduce emissions elsewhere. Though, the reality is that these emissions are still being released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. It’s a legal loophole that doesn’t address the root of the problem.
Archyde News: Some argue that data centers bring economic benefits, such as job creation and investment in local infrastructure. How do you respond to that?
Sally Rooney: I understand the argument, but I believe it’s short-sighted.While data centers may create some jobs, they are often highly specialized and don’t necessarily benefit the local workforce in the long term. Moreover,the environmental costs far outweigh the economic gains. We need to think about enduring progress that benefits both the economy and the planet. There are other ways to invest in our communities that don’t involve sacrificing our environment.
Archyde News: The site for the proposed data center was once home to the asahi synthetic fiber plant, which was a cornerstone of the local economy. Do you think the community has a right to expect similar economic benefits from this new project?
Sally Rooney: The Asahi plant was indeed a vital part of the local economy,but times have changed. We’re now in an era where we must prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. The community has every right to expect economic benefits, but those benefits should not come at the expense of our planet. We need to explore choice projects that align with our current environmental challenges and provide meaningful, long-term opportunities for the community.
Archyde News: What alternatives would you suggest for the site instead of a data center?
Sally Rooney: There are numerous possibilities. We could invest in renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind farms, which would create jobs and contribute to a sustainable future. We could also develop green tech hubs or educational facilities focused on environmental science and innovation. These projects would not only benefit the local economy but also position Killala as a leader in sustainable development.
Archyde News: what message would you like to send to the decision-makers at Mayo County Council and the broader community?
Sally Rooney: My message is simple: we have a responsibility to future generations to make decisions that prioritize the health of our planet. The proposed data center is a step backward in our fight against climate change.I urge the council to reject this project and instead invest in initiatives that align with our environmental goals and provide real, lasting benefits to the community. Let’s not sacrifice our future for short-term gains.
Archyde News: thank you, Sally, for your time and insights. Your perspective is a powerful reminder of the importance of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
Sally Rooney: Thank you. It’s a conversation we all need to be part of, and I’m hopeful that together, we can make the right choices for our planet and our communities.
