Technology giant Apple has scrapped proposals to build a data centre in Ireland following delays in the planning process.
The development at Athenry in Co Galway faced fierce local opposition and became tangled up in the court system.
It was first suggested more than three years ago.
“While disappointing, this setback will not dampen our enthusiasm for future projects in Ireland as our business continues to grow.”
The firm has been operating in Ireland since 1980.
“We’re deeply committed to our employees and customers in Ireland and are expanding our operations in Cork, with a new facility for our talented team there.”
The Republic is reliant on jobs within the technology sector to boost its open economy and uses its low corporate tax rate and skilled workers to attract multinationals.
She said the Government did everything it could to support the investment.
“This included high-level engagement with the company, both at home and abroad.
“Ultimately, in spite of these efforts, Apple has taken a commercial decision not to proceed, making it clear that the delays that beset this project caused them to reconsider their plans.”
She said the delays underlined the need to make the state’s planning and legal processes more efficient.
“The Government has therefore already been working, over the last number of months, to make improvements to those processes.
“This will ensure we are better placed to take advantage of future such investment opportunities, whether from data centre providers or other sectors.”
