Changes proposed for local data centre
The company behind the plans for a €1bn data centre campus at Rochfortbridge has approached Westmeath County Council planners about changes to the proposal.
Lumcloon Energy Limited will apply for amendments to permission for an Energy Storage System (ESS) facility that includes a reserve gas-fired generator to boost and back up the power system.
The pre-planning approach relates to a development at Kiltotan and Collinstown and Oldtown, Rochfortbridge, County Westmeath.
The company, which specialises in energy project development, is looking for amendments to the ESS facility previously consented to by Westmeath County Council planners. Last September the council sought further information about the plans for the €1bn data centre campus and solar farm on the 600 acre site.
The current approach relates to a number of amendments including: the removal of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) compound and contents, including the IPP building and all ancillary items; the reconfiguration of the synchronous condenser compound; an increase in the size of the horizontal synchronous generator building and reposition within the compound; an increase of control modules from five to eight; repositioning and alteration of the associated bunded transformers and electrical plant.
The attunements covers the reposition external cooling fans; the provision of a new external containerised diesel generator, and all ancillary development, including; lightening mast protection, perimeter fencing with access gates, landscaping, lighting, car parking, internal access roads, underground electrical cable routes, and all civil engineering works for the disposal of surface water.
The approach by Lumcloon Energy Limited, which was made last Friday week, is expected to be concluded by May 23.
In July 2025, Red Admiral DC Ltd, which is owned by Offaly businessman Nigel Reams and forms part of his Lumcloon Energy Group, lodged plans to the council for a six-unit data centre and a decentralised energy resource on townlands at Rochfortbridge, Westmeath. In September, the local authority raised a number of issues to be addressed before the planning process was concluded.