DATA CENTRES AND OTHER PRIVATE INDUSTRIES CANNOT TRUMP WELLBEING OF CO.MEATH RESIDENTS- Cllr Emer Tóibín

Monday 28th April 2025, 14:41

The people of Kentstown came out in large numbers to oppose controversial plans for a large gas-fired peaking power plant on a large site near the Co. Meath village.

Carrying powerful and striking posters, the group marched through Kentstown to the school car park, where campaign committee members and elected representatives addressed the gathering.

Aontú Cllr Emer Toibin, who spoke at the rally said,

“ The clear message that we want to signal loud and clear is that this proposalis unacceptable on health, environmental, and community grounds.Data Centres ,private profit and the fossil fuel industry cannot be allowed to trump the well being of citizens.

“The proposal — consisting of three open-cycle gas turbine generators, each with a 30-metre high emissions stack across a 19 acre site would see both gas and diesel used to fire the plant. This runs directly counter to Ireland’s emissions reduction targets under both national and EU law.

At a time when the community is already carrying the burden of major infrastructure like the Knockharley landfill, local residents are adamant that they cannot, and should not, be asked to absorb further heavy industrial development”.

Meath County Council has sought further information from the developers. A final decision is expected following the submission of this information in June or July.

The 'No to Power Plant' campaign group has pledged to continue fighting this proposal at every stage, demanding that the health, safety, and future of Kentstown residents are not ignored or dismissed in favour of the proliferation of data centres, private profit and fossil fuels powered electricity.

Copyright © All Rights Reserved