Apple has abandoned plans to build a new data centre in Ireland, after long-running opposition from local residents. The planned data centre in Athenry, County Galway was first announced in 2015. In a statement, the company said despite its best efforts, delays in the planning approval process had forced it to make other plans, RTE reports.
The firm added that while disappointing, the setback would not dampen its enthusiasm for future projects in Ireland as its business grows. The news was confirmed by the company's lawyers at a Supreme Court hearing of an appeal against the planning permission and Apple said it would withdraw from the process.
The appeal was filed by two Athenry residents over aspects of the planning permission. The case will be heard, as others might still like to use the planning permission, the judge said. The hearing was adjourned until 31 May.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys issued a statement, saying: "I very much regret that Apple will not be pursuing its plans to construct a data centre in Athenry, especially as the project would have been a source of significant investment and job creation for Galway and the west of Ireland."
