Apple will answer objections to proposed Ireland data center

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Irish flag
New data center will be one of Apple's biggest projects in Europe to date.
Photo: John Hoey/Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple is set to face a hearing over its proposed 850 million euro ($960 million) data centre in Athenry, Ireland — one of Apple’s biggest projects in Europe to date, which is scheduled to open in 2017.

The hearing over the proposed data center, which will help power Apple Music, the App Store, iMessages, Maps and Siri, will be with An Bord Pleanála, an independent, statutory body that decides on appeals from planning decisions made by local authorities in Ireland.

Apple’s proposed development will include a single-storey data centre, logistic and administration building, and security unit.

The data center is set to be the company’s most environmentally-friendly yet, and will run on 100 percent renewable energy from day one. As part of the project, Apple will reclaim land which was previously used for growing and harvesting non-native trees, and restore native trees to it. In addition, it will create an outdoor learning space for local schools, along with a walking trail for the community.

So with all of this being the case, why is there a fuss? Well, despite Apple being given planning permission for the facility back in September, it has since been appealed by various organizations including residents of Lisheenkyle and Athenry Golf Club.

The objection apparently comes down to concerns about traffic congestion, the location of the site’s entrance, and worries about potential impact on the region’s local bat population.

Nonetheless, Apple says reactions to the project have, by and large, been “overwhelmingly positive,” and notes that any outstanding issues will be addressed by the company.

Source: Galway Bay FM

 

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