Galway Bay fm newsroom – An ecology expert says Apple’s Athenry data centre will have a minimal impact on wildlife living in the now-wooded area.
Day four of the oral hearing on the planned 850 million euro facility is underway today at the Connacht Hotel in the city.
In his statement to the hearing, ecologist Ger O’Donohue said measures have been taken by the tech giant to ensure that wildlife in the area is not negatively affected.
He says a proposed outer perimeter of mixed woodland will support the local bat population, while lighting at the site will be directed inwards towards the development, so it will not disturb the nocturnal creatures.
In response to a submission on the development’s impact on the badger population, Mr O’Donohoe said there are no badger setts on the site, and any badgers in the general area will not be disturbed due to the presence of the 50 meter wide woodland ‘buffer zone.’ The hearing continues.
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