The oral hearing on Apple’s planned data centre in Athenry has once again been dominated by discussions on the company’s energy policies.
The hearing got underway at the Connacht Hotel yesterday, and is expected to continue for several days.
This afternoon, appellants and observers demanded technical details on Apple’s energy plans for the facility.
The county council granted planning permission for an Apple data centre at Palmerstown, Tobberroe and Derrydonnell last September.
However, this decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by 8 individuals or groups, while a further 20 have made observations on the planned development.
A number of concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of the project – including a possible increase in flooding, loss of amenity space, and its impact on local flora and fauna.
However, some groups and individuals remain supportive of the data centre project – and say that once small concerns are dealt with, the project will provide a much needed boost to Athenry and the east Galway region.
Discussions today have once again focused on the energy requirements of the planned data centre.
The tech giant says it remains committed to running the Athenry facility on 100% renewable energy, to keep it in line with the rest of its global data centres.
Today, Apple has been accused of misleading the public in relation to the running of the centre, with one appellant saying the company had ‘jumped on the global warming gravy-train.’
The next major topic to be discussed at the hearing is the site selection process and location of the planned development.
This module – which is the second of three – was due to get underway this afternoon, but Inspector Stephen Kay says he allowed the energy discussions to roll on, as they will form an important part of the final decision of the higher planning authority.
If granted permission by An Bord Pleanala, the Athenry data centre will open at the end of 2018, creating around 150 jobs.
Apple also says it will make a special effort to source any required goods and services locally where possible.
The hearing has now ended for the evening, and will resume at 10am tomorrow.
The post Apple questioned over energy policies appeared first on Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune.