Parliamentary Committee examines AI environmental impact on data centres
The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence convenes tomorrow to scrutinise the ecological footprint of emerging technology. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland and IBEC will address energy demands and carbon emissions linked to global data centre expansion.
Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence meets for further engagement on the environment
On Tuesday, 30th June 2026 at 11am, the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil, will convene in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House. The session focuses on the environmental implications of artificial intelligence, specifically examining the infrastructure and energy requirements of data centres.
Representatives from Enterprise Ireland and IBEC are scheduled to provide testimony regarding the sector's growth. Deputy Ó Cearúil highlighted that while AI is reshaping daily life, it presents significant challenges concerning electricity consumption and carbon output. The committee aims to foster a balanced dialogue on both the infrastructural pressures and economic opportunities driving this technological shift.
Proceedings will be accessible via the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App for Apple and Android users.