Debate contribution: Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Debate contribution by Mr Pádraig Delargy on 14 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Pádraig Delargy
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 14 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5686046

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. As we all know, AI is moving quickly. The motion rightly raises concerns about data centres, particularly the pressure that they can place on electricity, water and wider infrastructure. My colleagues in the 26 counties and Europe have raised similar concerns. In the Dáil, Pa Daly TD is bringing forward a Bill that focuses on prioritising connections for homes over those for data centres. In Europe, Lynn Boylan has championed this through FOI work and public commentary that shows how data centres constrain the electricity grid, compete with housing for capacity, raise energy costs, increase gas dependence and deliver relatively few direct jobs. Data centres should produce their own energy or finance the production of additional renewable electricity to meet their energy needs at any given time. That is critical to maintaining capacity for homes and businesses to be connected to the electricity grid. The construction of data centres should never be at the expense of housing or critical transport infrastructure. We have to look at the wider context: the pressures facing our communities already. Under the Department for Communities, we are dealing with a serious shortfall in housing. In this year alone, fewer than two thirds of the social homes that were committed to in the Programme for Government were delivered. That cannot be delayed further. Similarly, with student numbers at the Magee campus now at over 6,000, with a clear ambition and road map to have 10,000 students, we need to continue to focus on projects that are truly transformative and on the educational and social opportunities that such projects bring. The same is true of business development for strategic regeneration of sites across the North. The Renewable Electricity Generation (REG) Bill, brought forward by Minister Archibald, is an important step in showing how we can move towards cleaner and more secure power. The Bill will ensure that investment must be clear and deliver tangible community benefits. As the proposer of the motion mentioned, that is critical if this is to work. It means lower bills, stronger local infrastructure and a more reliable energy network for homes, businesses and public services. That is how energy policy should be done and how it can create tangible change for people. As the motion notes, the Executive Office consultation on the Northern Ireland AI strategy is open. I encourage people to take part in that consultation: have your say, put your views forward and ensure that the strategy is developed in a clear, fair and ethical way. It is important that decisions are based on evidence and that development cannot allow further pressure on water or energy or limit our climate commitments. We need to understand its full impact.

457 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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