Irish data center

Some supporters of Apple’s proposed data center in Ireland say that have ‘totally lost hope’ that the project will go ahead after a final ruling on planning consent has been delayed yet again.

The latest delay means that a final decision won’t be made until some two years after Apple had hoped to begin construction …

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The never-ending saga over Apple’s European data center in Ireland appeared to be over when ‘final’ planning approval was granted back in August, but no: three residents have filed a new appeal that will now go all the way to the High Court.

One resident, however, wants to demonstrate that these objections represent a minority view, with most locals glad of the jobs and money the center will bring to the area. He is organizing a march in support of Apple …

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Apple hasn’t been given an easy ride with its plans for a major new European data center in Ireland, but final approval has now been granted by the local planning body, subject to a number of extra conditions.

Apple first announced plans for the $950M data center some 18 months ago, aiming to deliver better connectivity to European customers for all its online services. All looked on track as the company was quickly granted planning permission for the facility, but despite the fact that the center will be entirely powered by renewable energy, an appeal was lodged on environmental grounds …

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Galway Bay FM reports that the planning inspector responsible for advising on whether or not to approve Apple’s planned data center in Ireland has submitted his recommendation. However, we won’t get to see the report until the planning board has met and announced its decision, expected by the end of the month.

An Bord Pleanala has begun its final deliberations on the proposed 850 million euro Apple data centre in Athenry. The inspector Stephen Kay has now submitted his recommendations to the board for consideration.

Apple was originally granted planning permission for the $950M data center, which was first announced last year, before an appeal was lodged based on environmental objections, throwing the decision into doubt …

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A solar array at one of Apple’s existing data centers in North Carolina

Update: Business Insider reports that the decision has been further delayed. The planning body An Bord Pleanála has said that it won’t be able to reach a decision now until 11th August as it needs more time to consider the impact of the infrastructure needed to support the data center.

Apple has responded to environmental objections to its planned $950M data center, arguing that the proposed development is necessary, would meet projected demand for the next 10-15 years, and would pose no risk to the local environment.

Although Apple was initially given the go-ahead for the center, construction had to be delayed when appeals against the decision were filed. The planning body, An Bord Pleanála, asked Apple to respond to five concerns, and Business Insider has now seen a transcript of the company’s oral response …

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Update: Galway Independent (via Business Insider) reports that a hearing date has now been set, for Tuesday 24th May. The venue has not yet been confirmed.

Apple’s plan to build one of the world’s largest data centers in Ireland hit a stumbling block earlier this month when local residents filed objections. The planning body, An Bord Pleanála, said that it would be pushing back its decision from February to May in order to consider those objections.

Business Insider reports that An Bord Pleanála has now written to Apple’s consulting engineers, asking them to address five concerns …

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