EPA investigating noise complaints at Dublin data centre

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an investigation into noise complaints surrounding a new data centre in Clondalkin, Dublin. Since 15 July, 13 noise complaints have been submitted by residents living near the Echelon Data Centres' DUB10 facility in the Clondalkin Industrial Estate. The complaints describe the noise as “very annoying,” “disturbing,” and “horrible,” with some residents comparing it to a helicopter hovering for hours at night or a constant buzzing. Comments on the Clondalkin News Facebook group suggest the noise has driven some residents “crazy.” The EPA stated it first received a noise complaint related to the site on 15 July and has since received 12 additional complaints. In response, the agency has engaged directly with complainants and Echelon Data Centres. Eoin Ó Broin, a Social Democrats councillor for Clondalkin, is one of the complainants. He called on the EPA to ensure the disturbing noises are mitigated to reduce the nuisance for nearby residents. The EPA has instructed Echelon to investigate the source of the noise and outline mitigation measures. Echelon has already engaged acoustic consultants to examine noise emissions and installed 24/7 noise monitoring sensors around the site. The agency is reviewing Echelon’s submissions as part of an ongoing compliance investigation and has also enlisted independent consultants to monitor noise levels at sensitive locations. Reports from these assessments will be published on the EPA’s Licence and Enforcement Access Portal. Echelon is now required to submit a noise management plan to the EPA. The agency warned that if non-compliance with licensing conditions is found, enforcement action will be taken. Echelon has not yet responded to requests for comment. Residents in west Dublin first voiced concerns in late July, reporting a persistent humming noise, primarily at night but also during the day. Aaron Jeffrey, who lives more than 2km from the data centre, initially thought the noise might be due to his own appliances or neighbors, but eventually recorded it and identified it as coming from the data centre. He described the sound as a low-frequency hum that penetrates walls and windows, making it difficult to sleep. He has purchased earplugs, moved his bed, and tried other methods to block the sound, though he says little has worked. The lack of sleep has impacted his mental and physical health, with visible signs such as dark circles under his eyes. Jeffrey expressed understanding of the need for data centres but emphasized that they should not disrupt local communities. He believes they should not be located in residential areas. He noted that while objections were possible during construction, they are no longer an option. He also mentioned that a community group in Co Kildare is holding a public meeting to discuss the rapid growth of data centres in the area and demands greater transparency and control over regional development. Echelon confirmed it commissioned external acoustic consultants upon receiving initial complaints and later removed a generator used by contractors outside of working hours. After complaints persisted, the company initiated a new investigation at the partially constructed site. It has implemented further mitigation measures, including adjustments to roof-mounted chiller units, and expects to release a preliminary analysis of noise recordings by the end of the week. The findings will be compared with internal data collected on-site. Echelon reiterated its commitment to addressing community concerns as a high priority.