Apple has received the go-ahead to build a datacenter in Athenry, County Galway on Ireland’s west coast. The datacenter, which will be constructed on a plot of almost 487 acres, is controversial, according to BetaNews.
The project is expected to boost the local economy. However, opposition centered on potential impact on wildlife and flooding problems. The approval was given last week by An Bord Pleanala, which is the Irish planning board. The approval was granted, the story says, despite opposition by “a couple of individuals and local businesses.”
The story says that the plan calls for a datacenter with eight halls. However, Apple must seek separate permission for each and is starting with only one.
Earlier this month, The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved Apple’s application to sell power into wholesale markets via Apple Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary.