We are all responsible for the growth of data centres

Sir, – I read with interest Michael O’Meara’s letter “Planning for offshore wind” ( Letters, October 26th ). He questions whether we are increasing our renewable energy generation for the wrong reasons – to meet the growing demands of industrial growth, in particular more data centres . I entirely agree with what he says. On a related issue, I believe we should all consider our digital footprint. We regularly hear about our carbon footprint, some of which is related to what we do online, and how we might reduce that.

But we must also consider how to lessen our online data. In the context of data centres, we must bear in mind that all online data is stored there – so we are all responsible for their continued growth and proliferation. The big tech companies require these centres increasingly because of our usage of online social media apps, etc. So we should all, at the very least, consider a digital declutter. A few simple examples would be to tidy up our email accounts – delete unwanted emails, unsubscribe to websites we are no longer interested in – and use generative AI less, or at least be measured, specific and accurate in creating our prompts.

Also, if using online storage for documents, photos, etc, then delete unwanted ones. The list is endless but hopefully it might get us to reflect and to act. We all bear responsibility. – Yours, etc, CATHRYN CASEY, Ardfert, Co Kerry. Sir, – At some point in the future our Government will decide that we have reached maximum data centre capacity in Ireland. Will that decision take place when data centres are using 30 per cent, 40 per cent, 50 per cent or more of our electricity?

We need to know as soon as possible before they have used up all the electricity infrastructure (and water) required for housing development. Methinks we have more than our share of data centres already. – Yours, etc, JOANNE MORRISSEY, Sandycove, Co Dublin.