Halloween, Fever Dreams and Data on Data Centres.

Social Democrats in Ireland are calling for a moratorium on the construction of data centers, citing concerns over their significant electricity consumption and environmental impact. Jennifer Whitmore, a representative from Wicklow, highlighted that data centers currently account for 23% of the country's electricity usage, a figure projected to rise to 30% by 2030. The party is demanding an audit of existing data centers to assess their energy use and carbon emissions, arguing that the government has not been transparent about their growth and impact.

In related news, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) faces scrutiny after it was revealed that it has spent £30 million on media campaigns since the beginning of 2023. Aidan Farrelly, the Social Democrats' transport spokesperson, criticized the RSA for its high spending amidst rising road fatalities. The RSA has been called to appear before a parliamentary committee to address these concerns, especially as the number of driving licenses issued has increased, potentially leading to more accidents.

In the United States, Elon Musk's AI data centers in Mississippi are facing legal challenges from local residents due to noise disturbances. The Colossus data centers, part of Musk's AI initiatives, are reportedly causing significant disruption, prompting some homeowners to file lawsuits. Meanwhile, in Ireland, a legal dispute is unfolding between Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI) and the Recorded Artists, Actors, Performers Limited (RAAP) over the distribution of royalties, highlighting ongoing tensions in the music industry regarding fair compensation for artists.

We meet Ken the King of Halloween in Killiney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.