Report: Irish households paid €715m in hidden energy costs due to data centres (theguardian.com)

• Data centres used 22% of Ireland's electricity in 2025
• Households paid estimated €715m extra from 2015–2023
• Projected additional costs of €295–€644 per household by 2034

"A report commissioned by Friends of the Earth Ireland and Beyond Fossil Fuels estimates that data centres' electricity consumption (22% of Ireland's total in 2025) added a cumulative €715 million to household bills from 2015 to 2023, averaging €360 per household. The study warns that unchecked expansion could cost households an additional €295–€644 by 2034. Industry groups disputed the findings, citing economic benefits and strict renewable requirements."