The conservation and heritage organization has urged Louth County Council to reject Premier Periclase Ltd’s (PPL) planning application for the project, which is part of a proposed mixed-use industrial campus at Boyne Avenue, Newtownstalaban, Drogheda.

An Taisce’s planning officer, Sean O’Callaghan, and senior environmental policy officer, Phoebe Duvall, argued that approving the development would lead to a breach of emissions reduction obligations under the Climate Act.

In contrast, planning consultants PM Group, representing PPL, claimed in the application that the site’s redevelopment would significantly reduce industrial carbon emissions in the region. They stated that the first phase, involving energy infrastructure and the data centre, would act as a catalyst for broader redevelopment, incorporating high-tech manufacturing and commercial uses supported by a local energy and heat network.

PPL, which previously operated a magnesia and magnesium hydroxide production facility on the site, scaled back operations due to soaring gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company plans to open the new campus by 2028.

Criticism of the project includes objections from Colin Doyle, who warned that the development would contribute to unsustainable power demand from the data centre sector, outpacing the deployment of renewable energy. Protect East Meath, another objector, expressed concerns about greenhouse gas emissions exceeding the State’s carbon budget and sectoral limits, potentially undermining compliance with climate targets.

The proposal also includees plans to demolish the existing factory and construct a data center, gas-fired power plant, battery storage facility, and associated infrastructure, which has raised additional concerns.

Despite objections, the project has supporters. Trevor Connolly, CEO of Love Drogheda Business Improvement District, highlighted the potential for the redevelopment to remove long-standing blight, create jobs, and foster economic growth. Similarly, Stuart Jackson of Flaxton Ltd, an adjoining landowner, described the redevelopment as a “powerful catalyst” for Drogheda’s growth, driven by significant financial investment.

A decision on the planning application is expected next month.