Kildare councillors reject rezoning bid on proposed Naas data centre site

Kildare County Council members have voted against changing the zoning of land earmarked for a proposed data centre campus on the outskirts of Naas.

The decision concerned a 55-hectare agricultural site at Jigginstown, where technology company Microsoft intends to develop a data centre facility. The site is situated near the M7 motorway and an existing business park, alongside neighbouring residential properties and a housing estate.

A motion seeking to alter the zoning designation of the land failed during a council vote. Local residents opposed to the campus proposal had supported the rezoning effort to halt the scheme prior to planning stages.

Following the vote, community campaigners confirmed intentions to challenge the development through each statutory stage, citing concerns regarding utility demands on electricity and water infrastructure. Opponents have indicated that options under consideration include seeking a judicial review should the project secure planning permission through the statutory process.