Irish data centre suppliers establish trade alliance under former CIF director

Irish companies operating across the data centre supply chain have formed a new trade association with former Construction Industry Federation director and junior minister Tom Parlon appointed as founding chair, representing firms involved in planning, design, construction, engineering and energy management services connected to data centre investment.

The Irish Independent reported that the Irish Data Centre Supplier Alliance has been established to advocate on behalf of members and engage with policy-makers on how data centre investment supports Irish businesses. The launch follows publication of the Large Energy User policy by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities in December, designed to facilitate investment in energy-intensive sectors including data centres.

Parlon said the growth of the data centre industry over the past 15 years has been one of the foundations of Ireland's economic recovery since the financial crash. He noted the sector has contributed over €20bn through direct and indirect investment during that period, directly employing 1,800 people whilst supporting thousands more jobs across the Irish supply chain.

Parlon added that data centre investment has been a vital avenue of growth for Irish business, allowing many companies to evolve into a new generation of multinationals and establishing Ireland as a global leader in provision of digital infrastructure services. He acknowledged the debate around data centre investment has become deeply polarised in recent years, with benefits to domestic businesses largely ignored.

The alliance is calling for development of dedicated "islanded utility" business parks in strategic locations, noting constraints in Ireland's energy system. These would be large-scale campuses with utility-scale energy and water capacity developed on site to facilitate future foreign direct investment.

Access complete policy positions and membership details for the new trade alliance.