Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

Records related to gas connections for data centres. Minister Eamon Ryan wrote to the CEO of GNI, Cathal Marley, in July 2022 outlining that “it would not be appropriate for Gas Networks Ireland to sign any more contracts to connect data centres to the gas network where the data centre would be powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation”, with a view to a meeting in September on the matter. The letter was previously released to RTE under FOI. I wish to request the following records to cover the period 1 July 2022-present: Minutes of any follow up meetings between DECC and GNI and/or Ervia at senior management and/or Ministerial level on this issue; Briefing papers for the Minister for any meetings with GN and/or ErviaI on this issue; The latest briefing paper or update report for the Minister or his direct staff on the current situation in relation to gas connections for data centres and/or any temporary pause on new connections conducted by GNI and/or Ervia