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Insights from CyrusOne’s Listening to Communities - Understanding Public Perception of Data Centres in Europe and How this Shapes Community Initiatives Ireland Edition
In an increasingly digital world, data centres have become the backbone of our everyday lives. As countries navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by this essential infrastructure, Ireland stands out as both a leader and a case study for balancing technological growth with community concerns.
A recent survey commissioned by CyrusOne sheds light on how the Irish perceive data centres, how these perceptions compare to other European countries, and what the future might hold for this critical industry in Ireland.
Ireland’s Data Centre Landscape: A Mature but Scrutinised Market
Ireland boasts one of the most developed data centre markets in Europe, driven by a government strategy to position the country as a technology hub. The presence of major multinational tech companies has brought significant economic growth, including job creation and investment. However, with land and power availability becoming pressing issues, Ireland faces challenges unique to its position as a pioneer in this field.
The study reveals that 68% of Irish respondents associate data centres with job opportunities—a figure above the European average. Yet, unlike other markets, awareness of local data centres does not increase this perception in Ireland, highlighting a need for operators to communicate their local contributions better.
A Double-Edged Sword: Awareness and Concerns in Ireland
Irish people are among the most knowledgeable about what data centres are and their role in powering digital services, with 54% recognizing their importance—surpassed only by Spain and the Netherlands. However, this understanding comes with heightened scrutiny.
Energy Use: Over half (51%) of Irish respondents view data centres as having a negative impact on local communities due to high energy consumption. This is the highest percentage among the surveyed countries, reflecting widespread concerns about the sustainability of the sector.
Land Use: Ireland, along with France and the Netherlands, ranks highest in perceiving land use by data centres as a potential drawback (36%). While this suggests a significant public concern, a considerable proportion (35%) remain undecided, offering an opportunity for operators to address misconceptions.
A Comparative Snapshot: How Ireland Stacks Up
In many respects, Ireland’s data centre industry reflects broader European trends, but with marked differences:
Positive Sentiment: Half (50%) of Irish respondents feel positive about data centres, aligning closely with the European average. However, Ireland also has one of the highest proportions of respondents expressing negativity (12%), comparable only to the Netherlands.
Community Support: Encouragingly, 69% of Irish people would welcome a data centre in their community—higher than the European average (64%). This reflects a cautious optimism, tempered by the country’s history of balancing economic gains with environmental sustainability.
Job Creation and Economic Growth: Like Spain and Italy, Ireland emphasises the value of data centres in fostering local employment and boosting the economy. However, the industry must bridge the gap between public expectations and delivered benefits, particularly in training and apprenticeship opportunities.
The Path Forward: Bridging Perception Gaps
The Irish example underscores the importance of tailored community engagement strategies. Key recommendations for Ireland’s data centre sector include:
Sustainability Commitments: Addressing energy concerns through transparent decarbonization efforts and partnerships to expand renewable energy generation will be critical.
Community Investments: Prioritising amenities such as green spaces, improved infrastructure, and local projects can enhance public sentiment. Notably, 37% of Irish respondents said amenities would make them more supportive of data centres.
Job and Training Opportunities: Expanding apprenticeships and local hiring initiatives could strengthen ties with communities and align industry efforts with public expectations.
Conclusion: Ireland as a Model for Future Growth
Ireland’s journey reflects the delicate balance between technological progress and community concerns. While the country is ahead in terms of public understanding and acceptance of data centres, the industry must work to address sustainability challenges and deliver tangible benefits to local communities. By fostering transparent communication and honouring its commitments, Ireland’s data centre sector can serve as a blueprint for other countries navigating similar challenges in the digital age.
The report, infographics, charts and graphs are available for download at https://cyrusonecommunityreport.com/