Apple’s decision to withdraw from its planned €850 million data centre in Athenry has been described as a ‘major blow’ for the West of Ireland by a Clare TD.
The tech giant has blamed the delays in getting approval for the centre as the reason for pulling out of the project.
Plans for Apple’s data centre in Athenry were first revealed in 2015, and An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission the following year.
Since then, several appeals have stopped construction of the 166,000 square metre site.
In a statement today, Apple said the delays in the approval process have forced them to make other plans.
Locals who were supporting Apple’s plans have described it as a hammer blow for the community there.
Paul Keane from the group ‘Athenry for Apple’ is concerned about the future impact of the decision.
Local Fianna Fail TD Anne Rabbitte says the move is devastating.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys has described the decision as disappointing and wants the planning process to be streamlined.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has backed up that call.
Clare County Council recently put out a call for expressions of interest from landowners in identifying sites for major data centres and Deputy Carey says such a development would have a huge impact in a county like this.
Despite their decision with respect to Athenry, Apple insists today’s setback will not dampen their enthusiasm elsewhere in Ireland.
