Coimisiún Pleanála consider 10 appeals over data centre
An Coimisiún Pleanála have confirmed that they are reviewing 10 submissions in regard to the appeals process for the €1 billion Rochfortbridge data centre development.
The proposed Red Admiral DC Ltd development involves the demolition of a derelict dwelling and agricultural sheds at Gneevebawn, Oldtown, Farthingstown, Castlelost, Kiltotan and Collinstown, near Rochfortbridge, to make way for a six-unit data centre campus and decentralised energy resource on a 600-acre site.
At the start of June, Westmeath County Council granted the development 10-year planning permission, subject to 32 conditions, despite having received more than 50 submissions during the planning process.
“The Commission received 10 valid appeals on this case. PL-501596-WH-26 is the reference number for the valid appeals for this development,” the planning oversight body said in a letter to the Westmeath Examiner. “The last day for appeals was June 29, 2026. The last day for observations is July 27, 2026.”
The list of third party appellants are: David Mahon, Eamon Duigenan, Frank Kelly and Others, Mary Joe Kelly, John Conway and Louth Environmental Group, Stefania Oggioni, Martin Knox, Gerard Carey, William Carey, and Damien Gavin.
Other submissions on the files are from; Red Admiral DC Limited (the applicant), Westmeath County Council (the planning authority) and Red Admiral DC Limited (as applicant for the development).
The developer maintains that the ambitious project, which also includes a solar farm and associated infrastructure, is expected to create around 760 permanent direct jobs and a further 1,000 indirect jobs during its five-year construction phase.
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report accompanied the application, while the proposed decentralised energy resource will require an Industrial Emissions Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency before it can operate.
The objectors have cited concerns that the proposed data halls, reaching approximately 72 feet in height, would adversely affect the visual character of Rochfortbridge and the surrounding rural landscape.
The development forms part of the wider plans of the Lumcloon Energy Group, owned by Offaly businessman Nigel Reams. Separately, Lumcloon Energy Limited has now signalled its intention to seek amendments to previously approved plans for an Energy Storage System facility, including a reserve gas-fired generator designed to provide backup and support for the national electricity system.
The outcome of the appeals before An Coimisiún Pleanála will determine whether one of the largest proposed data centre developments in the midlands can proceed.