Even while it takes the EU to insist that Apple pay more tax in Ireland, the tax-dodging outfit still gets a very cushy ride in Ireland.
A review of Apple's €850 million Irish data centre will be fast-tracked, an Irish court ruled on Monday. This is even though Irish residents — Allan Daly, Sinead Fitzpatrick, and Brian McDonagh — had appealed against a local planning body which gave the development the green light in August and the west Ireland data centre was facing an 18-month delay
The appeal is on the basis that the land has not been zoned as a data centre and will have a negative impact on local wildlife, drainage, and pollution.
Apple asked the High Court to fast-track the legal challenge brought about by the three individuals. The High Court agreed on Monday and has pledged to put the dispute on the "commercial list," meaning it is likely to be resolved within six months.
Local politician Ciaran Cannon said that this was great news for everyone other than the residents that he represents.
The rulings mean that the hearing must be concluded within 6 months, rather than the 18 months for a normal Judicial Review case. Their case will now be heard on the 21st of March. The application to admit the third objector, McDonagh, to the same list will be heard next Monday.
Of course, Cannon does not have to worry much about the thoughts of a few local residents. Thousands of people marched through the streets of Athenry to show their support for the data centre. They believe it will provide crucial jobs for the area and boost the local economy.
Apple wants to build eight data halls on a 500-acre site in Derrydonnell Forest, which is owned by state-sponsored forestry firm Coillte, and situated roughly three miles from Athenry. Apple first announced the data centre in February 2015, saying at the time that it will build a similar facility in Denmark, which is already well underway.
Apple wants to use the centres to store European user data and to help power online services, including the iTunes Store, the App Store, iMessage, Maps, and Siri for customers across Europe, according to a press release.
