about the project
Ireland’s rapid expansion as a global data centre hub has brought economic growth, but also growing tensions around energy, climate, and inequality. Much of the public debate has focused on energy demand and emissions. But a critical dimension has remained largely overlooked: the communities that host this infrastructure.
Across Dublin, and particularly in the west of the city, data centres are overwhelmingly concentrated in areas already facing economic disadvantage. Nearly 90% of Dublin’s data centres are located in such communities—places like Blanchardstown, Tallaght, and Clondalkin. These neighbourhoods are not only hosting some of the most energy-intensive infrastructure in Europe, but are doing so while seeing limited direct benefits in return.
This pattern raises urgent questions about fairness, accountability, and how the digital economy is embedded in society. Who benefits from this growth - and who bears the costs?
With support from the European Artificial Intelligence & Society Fund, TASC is leading ACCORD: Western Dublin - a two-year initiative examining the social and environmental impacts of data centres in the larger Dublin area.
ACCORD brings together research, community knowledge, and policy development to better understand how data centres shape everyday life - and to ensure that local voices influence national decision-making.
Map of data centre locations relative to Pobal economic deprivation
approach
Impact Mapping
We combine research and community insight to assess how data centres affect infrastructure, the environment, and quality of life, while identifying key stakeholders and amplifying marginalised voices.
Community Engagement
Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, we work directly with residents, civil society organisations, and industry actors to understand diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Co-creating Solutions
We collaborate with communities to develop practical tools - such as accountability frameworks and oversight models - that reflect local priorities and needs.
Who we are
TASC is an independent think tank working to address inequality and strengthen democracy by turning analysis into action.
As a public education charity, it promotes public understanding, participation, and evidence-based policy through research and outreach on inequality, democracy, and climate justice. Its work aims to improve working conditions, support a just transition, and drive positive social change in Ireland and the EU.
TASC also conducts rigorous research and evaluations using mixed methods—including data analysis, surveys, and interviews—to develop practical policy recommendations for government, civil society, and other organisations.
The European AI & Society Fund is a pooled fund that mobilises a powerful public interest community in Europe to fight for Artificial Intelligence that serves people, society and planet.
17 funding partners have combined resources to award grants, build the field, fundraise and forge collective strategies. Since 2020, EAISF has distributed over €14.5 million to 70 organisations and 14 fellows across 26 countries.