Apple to Build Second Data Center in Denmark

[mossy]

Ah the poor badgers and bats. God forbid someone would put something in the west of the country.

Your obvious disgruntlement of successive Irish Governments not investing in the western regions is separate and is not quite the same as Apple thinking they can steamroll any piece of land in Ireland just because they are 'Apple'. I have my doubts they will eventually get there way.

And yes - Bats and Badgers are important.
Bats and Badgers are protected under the Wildlife Acts (Wildlife Act, 1976; Wildlife Amendment Act, 2000)

(from batconservationireland.org)
In addition to domestic legislation bats are also protected under the EU Habitats Directive(92/43/EEC). The lesser horseshoe bat which is found in the Republic of Ireland only is listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, while all bat species are listed in Annex IV of the same Directive. The EU Habitats Directive has been transposed into both Irish and Northern Irish law with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 as amended.

The level of protection offered to lesser horseshoe bats effectively means that areas important for this species are designated as Special Areas of Conservation. For remaining bats, the EU requires that they are strictly protected. Among Ireland’s obligations under this Directive we are obliged to ‘maintain favourable conservation status’ of Annex-listed species.

 

[hotgril]

That's why I asked "How many data centres there are in Europe, if only one your points are valid, if 10 then The data could easily remain in Europe.

It would be a mess because you'd have to somehow register iCloud users as EU citizens to apply those special rules. If the EU servers are protected from spying (which IDK), if it's just by the IP address you were on when you signed up, people could use proxies to grab these accounts.

 

[justperry]

It would be a mess because you'd have to somehow register iCloud users as EU citizens to apply those special rules. If the EU servers are protected from spying (which IDK), if it's just by the IP address you were on when you signed up, people could use proxies to grab these accounts.

You've got a point.

 

[Neil Walls]

Most of the locals want it built. It's just a couple of NIMBY types who don't, and it's not even in their back yard anyway.

There were three objectors, two of whom reside very close to the proposed data center. The other objector has already had his objection dismissed. The "Athenry for Apple" Facebook group has 3,768 members (as of July 13), so yes, the locals definitely want it built. One objector, who has expertise in the area, has raised some valid questions about Ireland's long term energy strategy; it is clear Ireland can learn from Denmark in this regard; Apple is not the only major player interested in locating data center operations in Ireland, a temperate climate, stable government, English speaking labour force, and reliable infrastructure make Ireland a good choice, but we need a clear road-map in regard to energy policy, with a focus on renewables.
Apple, who have already based their European HQ in Dublin and have maintained a manufacturing presence here since 1980, are no doubt frustrated by the legal delays, but I expect they are still committed to the Irish data center, and will remain so in the short to medium term. If the legal challenges drag on for years, all bets will be off...

 

[mossy]

Apple, who have already based their European HQ in Dublin

Actually it is in Cork City.

with a focus on renewables.

Renewable energy will not be able to satisfy what Apple has planned. The Irish State and its people will no doubt be yet again subsidising Apple - this time - with higher electricity bills. They have already applied to tap into the national grid.