EPA investigating noise complaints at Dublin data centre

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently investigating noise complaints emanating from a new data centre, Echelon DUB10, located in the Clondalkin Industrial Estate, west Dublin. The noise issue surfaced in late July when residents began hearing an unusual humming, predominantly at night and occasionally during the day.

Aaron Jeffrey, a resident more than 2km away, initially thought the noise was his imagination or a problem within his home. However, after several nights of sleepless nights, he started recording the noise and determined it was most likely originating from the nearby data centre. The noise is a low-frequency hum that penetrates through materials regardless of closed doors, windows, or blinds.

In response to the complaints, the company commissioned external acoustic consultants and removed a contractor's generator that operated during night hours. Despite these mitigation measures, including additional actions such as roof-mounted chiller unit adjustments, the EPA launched an investigation this week. Echelon Data Centres stated it is committed to addressing the concerns raised and will continue to do so as a high priority.