That this Local Authority write to the IDA to request that they visit the county and explore the possibility of utilizing the potential of our vast water resources, from dairy production facilities and large river water resources, to attract data storage providers into the county.

Data storage facilities are a huge draw on electricity, renewable energy sources, such as hydro and excess water from industry could reduce demand on the grid.  Data storage facilities alone are not big employers, but they will attract large tech companies who need these types of facilities, as the demand for AI and robotics grows.

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Frain

That this Local Authority write to the IDA to request that they visit the county and explore thepossibility of utilizing the potential of our vast water resources, from dairy production facilitiesand large river water resources, to attract data storage providers into the county.

Data storage facilities are a huge draw on electricity, renewable energy sources, such as hydro and excess water from industry could reduce demand on the grid. Data storage facilities alone are not big employers, but they will attract large tech companies who need these types of facilities, as the demand for AI and robotics grows.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

This Motion requires a Resolution of the Council.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice informed the meeting that on a recent trip to New York with Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and Director of Finance Sean Mullarkey, productive meetings took place with the IDA as well as Fáilte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. He added that they spoke about the importance of investing in County Roscommon and the success other industries have had in the county with access to skilled staff. He also indicated that the Chief Executive of Harmac, John Somers, from Buffalo in the United States, would be visiting Castlerea in the coming days and he intended to meet him.

Cllr. Frain moved the motion by advising that a feasibility study was carried out in 2017 exploring the idea to use the excess water from the Aurivo Plant for a heating system for the town. He indicated that initiatives such as this should be explored and expanded to widen the use of excess water due to the county’s access to the biggest river in Ireland, the River Shannon. He advised he is actively working with companies to investigate the hydro possibilities for renewable energy and with input from the IDA, these possibilities should be investigated further. He indicated that there is an opportunity available to attract data storage facilities to County Roscommon.

Members made the following points, as well as expressing their support of the motion:

·         Caution should be given to such projects as a similar project involving Apple’s proposal to invest €800 million to build a data storage facility in Athenry. This was objected to by an individual environmentalist (who was named during the discussion) in relation to the Planning Permission application and subsequentially prevented the project from taking place. Similar projects abroad were also discussed.

·         The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that he and the executive disassociated themselves from the naming of any individual in this matter.

·         Water is a fantastic resource that is currently being underutilised and this area should be explored and a feasibility study carried out.

·         Huge opportunity as Roscommon has access to the longest part of the River Shannon.

·         Roscommon has the facilities to attract technology companies to the area.

·         Welcomed engagement with the IDA, huge opportunity to bring more industries to Roscommon.

·         The employment and hospitality sector could benefit hugely from this being explored.

·         Robotics and Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly growing sector, the world’s second largest commercial robotics company is located in Ballydangan and anything that could be done to assist the company to grow should be done.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan assured members that he is in regular contact with the IDA through their regional manager and has had meetings with the Chief Executive of the IDA. He informed the members that there is huge willingness and interest from the IDA to work with Roscommon. He added that there have been significant developments and progress towards pharmaceutical investment in the Athlone area, particularly the Nova Nordisk production facility, the second largest pharmaceutical company in the world. He also added that the work being put into rejuvenating towns and villages throughout the county will also help attract foreign direct investment.

Cllr. Frain thanked the members for their support and reiterated that this could be a huge opportunity for the county.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Frain

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED towrite to the IDA to request that they visit the county and explore the possibility of utilizing the potential of our vast water resources, from dairy production facilities and large river water resources, to attract data storage providers into the county.