High Court clears way for €1.6bn data centre campus in Ennis
Judicial review decision removes final legal hurdle for large-scale digital infrastructure project in County Clare
16 March 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
The High Court has cleared the final legal hurdle for the development of a major €1.6 billion data centre campus near Ennis, Co Clare, allowing the project to move forward after judicial review proceedings concluded in favour of the developer.
Art Data Centres confirmed that the court ruling removes the last remaining legal barrier to the project, enabling works to begin on the proposed 145-acre digital infrastructure campus located close to the M18.
The development is designed as a large-scale data centre campus comprising six data halls with a combined floor area of approximately 1.2 million sq ft, alongside a dedicated power substation, energy centre and supporting infrastructure.
The project will operate at a planned capacity of 200MW and has been positioned to attract global technology partners seeking large-scale cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Art Data Centres said the scheme represents more than eight years of planning and preparatory work and will now proceed to the initial site phase. Early construction activity will focus on enabling works, including the diversion of overhead power lines in coordination with EirGrid and ESB Networks.
Phase one of the development will include the electrical substation, two of the data halls and associated site works, with completion and commissioning targeted for the end of 2028.
The overall investment is expected to exceed €1.6 billion across three phases. The project is projected to support up to 1,200 jobs during the construction phase, alongside thousands of additional roles in related services and supply chains, with up to 1,000 permanent operational positions anticipated once the campus is fully developed.
The design incorporates several sustainability elements, including a district heating system and a vertical farming facility that will utilise waste heat generated by the data centre operations. The development is also expected to support renewable energy generation through mechanisms such as corporate power purchase agreements linked to solar and wind projects.
Digital Infrastructure Ireland welcomed the outcome of the High Court decision. Maurice Mortell, Chairman of the organisation, said the ruling confirms that large-scale digital infrastructure projects can proceed in Ireland when developed with responsible energy management and sustainability measures.
“Digital Infrastructure Ireland welcomes the High Court decision today to clear Art Data Centres to proceed to build. The judgement acknowledges what our sector has been saying for some time – that there is a future for data centres in Ireland with responsible use of energy, grid-supporting generation technology and heat recycling to benefit local communities. Developments such as Art will be important for the national economy and for Ireland’s standing in the world as a centre of excellence in cloud computing. Furthermore, unless these developments happen, the market for off-shore wind developers will fail more.”
Mr Mortell said the decision comes at a critical moment for the sector internationally, after concerns had emerged that Ireland’s planning and grid connection environment had effectively closed the market for new data centre investment.
“This judgement comes at a crucial time for the sector in Ireland, as the message had gone out around the world that this country was closed in planning, connections and approach to data centres. It is important that digital infrastructure has continued recognition of its strategic value to Ireland’s economic development. DII hopes this judgment will bring renewed momentum for our sector.”
Project founders Tom McNamara and Vincent Fogarty said the Ennis campus has been designed to align with government policy supporting regional digital infrastructure development, particularly in areas with strong renewable energy potential and fibre connectivity.
They said the project also reflects the strategic approach taken by Clare County Council through the Clare 2040 Economic Strategy, which identified digital infrastructure as a key opportunity for regional economic growth.
Regional locations such as Ennis are increasingly seen as suitable for next-generation data infrastructure due to access to renewable energy resources and strong fibre connectivity with Dublin, London, continental Europe and the United States.
Once operational, the campus is expected to contribute to Ireland’s role as a global hub for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services while supporting investment in renewable energy generation.
