Westmeath Council Grants Permission for €1 Billion Data Centre Despite Opposition

Westmeath County Council has granted 10-year planning permission to Red Admiral DC Ltd, owned by Nigel Reams of Lumcloon Energy Group, for a contentious €1 billion data centre campus and solar farm. The project, located on a 600-acre site across Rochfortbridge, Co Westmeath, will feature six data centre units and a decentralised energy resource.

Despite 55 local submissions raising concerns about environmental impact, visual intrusion, loss of 300-600 acres of tillage land, and property devaluation, the council approved the revised plans lodged in March. Red Admiral, which first submitted plans in July 2025, will pay €8.24 million in planning contributions and a €289,367 special levy.

The data campus could emit 493,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. A condition of approval requires the developer to submit details of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) ensuring electricity consumption is matched by new renewable generation, in the interest of climate action. The project is estimated to generate an annual economic dividend of €117 million and create 440 operational jobs.

The decision follows recent reports offering contrasting views on Ireland's data centre industry. A UN report cited Ireland as a «cautionary tale» regarding AI growth's environmental impact, while a government report highlighted €22 billion added to the Irish economy, 17,000 jobs created, and €2.8 billion in tax collected since 2010 due to data centres. The council's 75-page report concluded the proposal is a «coordinated and strategically located infrastructure development» aligning with national planning and energy policy.