Data centre timeline: How Apple secured plan for Athenry

Process towards building tech giant’s facility in Co Galway began in early 2015

File photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA
File photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA

February 2015

Apple unveils plans for large scale data centres in Galway and Denmark.

April 2015

Apple Distribution International lodges application with Galway County Council.

September 20th, 2015

Galway County Council grants permission for data ce

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September 22nd, 2015

Appeals against the council's decision are lodged with An Bord Pleanála. Eight parties appeal the decision, including Sinead Fitzpatrick, on behalf of Concerned Residents of Lisheenkyle, and Allan Daly.

May 2016

A four-day An Bord Pleanála public hearing on the development begins.

August 2016

An Bord Pleanála, following the recommendation of its inspector Stephen Kay, grants permission.

October 2016

Sinéad Fitzpatrick and Allan Daly initiate High Court challenge to An Bórd Pleanála’s decision.

October 2016

Work starts on Danish data centre.

November 2016

Legal challenges to the board’s decision by Fitzpatrick/Daly and Brian McDonagh are admitted to the Commercial Court’s “fast-track” procedure.

July 2017

Apple announces second data centre for Denmark.

October 2017

Mr Justice Paul McDermott in the Commercial Court rejects judicial review challenges.