‘Planning objections won’t derail €1bn centre’ – Apple

THE Government has received assurances from Apple executives that the company is committed to building a €1billion data centre in Galway despite protracted planning difficulties.

The proposed development of a sprawling facility outside Athenry has been delayed by almost three years as a result of opposition from a small number of objectors.

One of those, local engineer Allan Daly, is also a key objector to Amazon’s application to build a €1billion data centre in Dublin. An oral hearing in relation to that appeal is expected to be held later this month.

News agency Bloomberg reported this week that Apple representatives had told the Government that the company was prepared to pull out of the project if planning delays continue.

But Athenry-based junior minister Ciaran Cannon said yesterday that Leo Varadkar met Apple executives last week and received assurances on their commitment to the development. ‘I spoke with the Taoiseach and he met with very senior Apple executives last week, and they confirmed to him that they remain committed to the site in Athenry,’ he said. ‘We now await the outcome of a lengthy case and hopefully the decision of the Commercial Court will be a positive one. For now, I am reassured by An Taoiseach of Apple’s commitment to Athenry.’

Mr Cannon said the Taoiseach requested an examination of the State’s planning and legal systems in relation to developments like those proposed by Amazon and Apple. It is understood this will be aimed at ensuring that objections to significant developments can be dealt with quickly and delays that may jeopardise investment can be avoided. ‘The last thing we need is a perception to develop internationally that our systems are incapable of dealing with large industrial developments and delays of two or three years are commonplace,’ he said.

Objector Mr Daly did not respond to efforts to contact him yesterday.

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