In July 2022 I went out to Grange Castle, County Dublin to photograph the new Google Data Centre for my series Post-State. There was a slight kerfuffle when an over-eager security guard rushed out to try and stop me, until I explained that I was on a public road so had the right to photograph. I wanted to include a Data Centre image in my upcoming Post -State exhibition in the RHA, Dublin, as they are such huge contributors to climate change.

Yesterday the Guardian reported that since 2022 the energy consumed by data centres in Ireland has increased by 20%, and is now greater than the energy used by all urban homes*. As of last April there are 82 data centres in Ireland, with a further 14 under construction and planning approved for 40 more, meaning a 65% growth in the coming years.

Something's got to give.

A single email to someone who needs your vote is more effective than a thousand posts on social media, which is why I’ll be writing to everyone in the country who needs mine (including the ones I wouldn’t dream of voting for, but they don’t know that) to let them know just how important it is that they address this pressing issue, especially as how they do this will definitely influence my willingness to vote for them.

You can find contact details for your local TDs here, and your local councillors here.

*Full report here.