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Apple Athenry data centre

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,675 ✭✭✭ronnie3585


    Any word on when the applicants' application for leave to appeal will be back before the High Court? Was in for mention yesterday but the Four Courts was closed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭martinkop


    They will go ahead with requesting an appeal
    https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2017/1017/912972-apple/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,917 ✭✭✭✭Kermit.de.frog


    I would fully support Apple scrapping the investment now. Lessons need to be learned about our delinquent planning system that allows a handful of cranks put projects at risk and I think this is best done by losing an €850m investment for it's shock value.

    I feel sorry for the people of Athenry who will miss out on the investment. That's the country we live in.


  • Posts: 15,814 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    martinkop wrote: »
    They will go ahead with requesting an appeal
    https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2017/1017/912972-apple/

    I can see a couple of people having their homes burnt out over this. Apple, if they had any sense would cut their losses and move on. The lad from Wicklow who is now going after Amazon deserves a slap, he's a nuisance and no one should take him seriously as he's little more than a crank out to make as much for himself as possible.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,359 ✭✭✭stampydmonkey


    _Puma_ wrote: »
    I couldn't think of a worse use of the national grid capacity than Data centers. In the short term expect the PSO levy to keep increasing as we Import more Coal and Gas to meet the demand of these things coming online.

    We are actually importing less gas now than ever with the Corrib Field on line:rolleyes:


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  • Registered Users Posts: 13,147 ✭✭✭✭JRant


    _Puma_ wrote: »
    I couldn't think of a worse use of the national grid capacity than Data centers. In the short term expect the PSO levy to keep increasing as we Import more Coal and Gas to meet the demand of these things coming online. Our EU emission targets are regressing and we are almost certain to be met with Large EU fines for not reaching the targets we set ourselves. The definition of incompetence.

    I'm not sure I understand your point Puma. EirGrid have a 10 year forecast, freely available on their website. That is includes capacity that is already planned for. It's been suggested that data centres will use up to 75% of this additional capacity. That would only be true if EirGrid gave them every connection they asked for, which just won't happen.

    Anyway, whether the power is used by data centres, residential or industries is a moot point. The government know what the forecast is and have done absolutely nothing to address the planning issues surrounding large infrastructure projects.

    Another question that I haven't seen answered sufficiently is who is funding these cases. It costs a lot of money to bring a case to the high court and appealing will cost even more. How they can appeal after such a damning conclusion is also ridiculous.

    "Well, yeah, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man"



  • Registered Users Posts: 356 ✭✭ezstreet5


    JRant wrote: »
    I'm not sure I understand your point Puma. EirGrid have a 10 year forecast, freely available on their website. That is includes capacity that is already planned for. It's been suggested that data centres will use up to 75% of this additional capacity. That would only be true if EirGrid gave them every connection they asked for, which just won't happen.

    Anyway, whether the power is used by data centres, residential or industries is a moot point. The government know what the forecast is and have done absolutely nothing to address the planning issues surrounding large infrastructure projects.

    Another question that I haven't seen answered sufficiently is who is funding these cases. It costs a lot of money to bring a case to the high court and appealing will cost even more. How they can appeal after such a damning conclusion is also ridiculous.

    Eirgrid will in fact connect EVERY data centre seeking a connection, if it is physically possible at that moment. The game is that the data centre will apply for planning as a single data hall, but the grid connection will be capable of accommodating a much larger master plan. The data centre pays 50% of that "shallow" connection. Then, when they expand and build further data halls, deep grid reinforcements become necessary, but these are just considered "natural growth." Demand customers pay 0% for any deep grid reinforcements that indirectly become necessary due to their existence.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 198 ✭✭teddyhead


    A genuine non trolly question here .

    Could you not create the same amount of employment by setting up a state of the art hemp farm/procesing plant ?

    With less environmental impact .

    The law is not an issue if you just produce for the legitimate export market .We already produce sophisticated pharmaceutical products ,some of which are subject to global drug controls, its not an issue,in economic terms.
    The hemp market is apparently growing, globally.

    What will the data centre create/contribute, in real terms,that couldnt be achieved by other , low impact ,agri industrial projects?

    Some might say hemp is an unrealistic/outlandish alternative but is the data center not itself, quite outlandish and unrealistic in its own way?

    What is it that makes the Apple deal so sweet ? What kind of a deal do we have with Apple inc anyway ? or is that a stupid question ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,002 ✭✭✭what_traffic


    https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/court-gives-green-light-for-apple-data-centre-in-athenry-1.3276316
    "
    The proposed €850 million Apple data centre in Athenry received the final green light this morning, after the High Court rejected an appeal from objectors to the scheme.
    "


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 698 ✭✭✭hoody


    Any idea of how long it will be before they start works on the site?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭Raging_Ninja


    teddyhead wrote: »
    A genuine non trolly question here .

    Could you not create the same amount of employment by setting up a state of the art hemp farm/procesing plant ?

    With less environmental impact .

    The law is not an issue if you just produce for the legitimate export market .We already produce sophisticated pharmaceutical products ,some of which are subject to global drug controls, its not an issue,in economic terms.
    The hemp market is apparently growing, globally.

    What will the data centre create/contribute, in real terms,that couldnt be achieved by other , low impact ,agri industrial projects?

    Some might say hemp is an unrealistic/outlandish alternative but is the data center not itself, quite outlandish and unrealistic in its own way?

    What is it that makes the Apple deal so sweet ? What kind of a deal do we have with Apple inc anyway ? or is that a stupid question ?

    Go for it dude, get the funding together and set your hemp farm up.


  • Registered Users Posts: 13,147 ✭✭✭✭JRant


    hoody wrote: »
    Any idea of how long it will be before they start works on the site?

    I believe Apple are being a bit noncommittal on this. I fear that the entire project could well be up in the air right now, which would be a terrible shame for the area.

    "Well, yeah, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man"



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,735 ✭✭✭✭Bobeagleburger


    JRant wrote: »
    I believe Apple are being a bit noncommittal on this. I fear that the entire project could well be up in the air right now, which would be a terrible shame for the area.

    I wouldn't blame them.

    I'd be looking elsewhere if I was them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭martinkop


    Probably waiting for Leo to land over with a sweetener this week...."Don;t worry about the 13 billion you owe us, sure we'll get that in income tax off the 100 people this will employ:rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,084 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    martinkop wrote: »
    Probably waiting for Leo to land over with a sweetener this week...."Don;t worry about the 13 billion you owe us, sure we'll get that in income tax off the 100 people this will employ:rolleyes:

    Security guards ain't that well paid.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Robbo


    Hmm, based on the decision today I can definitely see this being appealed

    Alan had legitimate concerns that were grounded in fact.
    The High Court in refusing leave to appeal had other ideas.
    The court is also satisfied that many of the arguments addressed in the applicants’ submissions on this application seek to reargue aspects of the case which were the subject of argument before the Inspector and later before this Court in the course of the judicial review. It seems to me that much of this argument is based on the fact that the applicants disagree with the Inspector’s conclusions and disagree with the court’s application of the legal principles which govern the issues in this case as they are applied to the facts of this case. In essence none of the five points advanced transcend the facts of this particular case. The court is not satisfied that the applicants meet the criteria set out in the authorities for the certification of a point of law of exceptional public importance under s. 50A(7) in respect of any of the five points advanced.


    Also, just to pour a bit of cold water on things, don't forget, this permission applies to only the first data centre. The other 7 will require individual permissions to be sought for each one.
    The first High Court judgment didn't exactly take kindly to being asked to judicially review a hypothetical decision that hasn't and may not ever be made.
    The court is not satisfied that there was any obligation to carry out an EIA of the entire masterplan which was not the subject of the planning permission application. Of primary concern to the competent authority is the development in respect of which the EIA is required.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,284 ✭✭✭dubhthach


    Security guards ain't that well paid.

    Perhaps but NOC Engineers/Technicians can be paid anywhere between 40 and 60k+ euro depending on role and seniority. That and site like this is gonna have a number of interesting roles when it comes to build out (for example Facebook are looking for a Chemical engineer for their large scale DC project in Clonee). Every data center I've been in usually only had one or two security guards for every 5-10 operations staff. Bigger the DC the higher the ratio.


  • Registered Users Posts: 860 ✭✭✭MacGyver007




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,312 ✭✭✭Nettle Soup


    Great news! Finally.


  • Registered Users Posts: 543 ✭✭✭yew_tree


    Disgraceful that 2/3 people can hold up such a project especially when one of them lives in Dublin. Laughable. I wouldn't blame Apple for walking away. The knock on effect of this in attracting further Data Center developments is massive.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,345 ✭✭✭✭jimmycrackcorm


    Great news! Finally.


    What's great? That Apple were able to build a data centre in Denmark in the same time period fussy whiners were able to hold up plans here?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,357 ✭✭✭✭Larbre34


    yew_tree wrote: »
    Disgraceful that 2/3 people can hold up such a project especially when one of them lives in Dublin. Laughable. I wouldn't blame Apple for walking away. The knock on effect of this in attracting further Data Center developments is massive.

    I'll bet the blood drained out of Varadkar's face. Not a good week reputationally for Ireland inc.

    He may pull the finger out and legislate for this sort of stuff, vexatious planning appeals, massively elongated assessment periods and NIMBYism for the greater good of the country.

    If this does not proceed, no matter his stance, Ciaran Cannon is a dead man politically. And probably Govt TDs in neighbouring constituencies too


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,121 ✭✭✭TomOnBoard


    Larbre34 wrote: »
    I'll bet the blood drained out of Varadkar's face. Not a good week reputationally for Ireland inc.

    He may pull the finger out and legislate for this sort of stuff, vexatious planning appeals, massively elongated assessment periods and NIMBYism for the greater good of the country.

    Games are being played out!

    Ireland stands to gain €13 billions plus penalties from the EU Apple Tax decision. Apple needs to show that its not going to roll over on that EU demand. While Ireland Inc would love to get the €13+ billions, we're currently playing the public game that we don't want it, but we're using the European Commission to continue to force us to accept it. Then we can say to Apple that "Shure we didn't want to take it, but the lads in Brussels are forcing us to do so"!

    In the meantime, Apple decides to build data centres in 2 locations: 1 in Ireland and 1 in Denmark. Since the announcement, not a sod was turned in Ireland, and the Danes have theirs almost built! If you were Apple, motivated SOLELY by profit, what would you do with all this?

    You'd tell Varadkar that the game is still on, but I don;t like all the goals you're trying to score against me! Hence, no commitment to go ahead with Athenry.

    All the other stuff about Electricity supply, few ongoing jobs etc., while of crucial importance locally and to Ireland Inc., are totally irrelevant to Apple's decision making process. They're issues for Irl inc. to deal with and if we can't or won't deliver the power to their door, they won't be interested in proceeding. And if we do get the 13Bn, they won't be much interested in it then either.

    So, its not about a single thing! Its about all the things that are bubbling away like in a home- made soup. Apple simply doesn't like the stuff that was put into the soup and they prefer both the flavour of the Danish version and the way the Danes chop up their carrots. Hence, the Danes get the go-ahead to start another phase.

    Oh, and of course, our Data Protection Regime, whose light touch would have previously been considered to be a big benefit to a Data Centre here is having to step up its own game to conform to EU & US (Patriot Act) law, probably removing much of the previously considered benefit to Apple of locating its data here.

    One bottom line in all this however is that there does need to be a much more strategic approach to infrastructure (including electrical grid) in this country including zoning for industry across the country and not just in the main Urban centres, before the rest of the country dies a slow death and becomes a set of dormitory towns & villages for the 3 or 4 main centres in which all the industry will locate.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,274 ✭✭✭1641


    TomOnBoard wrote: »
    Games are being played out!

    Have you access to some inside information that is not in the public domain? If so can you share ?

    Or is this a "theory"?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Robbo wrote: »
    The High Court in refusing leave to appeal had other ideas.


    The first High Court judgment didn't exactly take kindly to being asked to judicially review a hypothetical decision that hasn't and may not ever be made.

    Aye I saw that.

    Safe to say Apple won't fancy going through the ringer with 7 more applications though all of which can be subject to the same objection.

    At what point do you assess the impact of a site that will consume the same amount of electricity as several counties (houses).

    To be honest, I'd say it's a dead duck and won't be built


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 19,241 Mod ✭✭✭✭L.Jenkins


    Talk about a massive fúck up on Irish planning laws if they don't go through with development. Is it definitive that Apple won't proceed? If not, will there be a witch hunt for objectors and others who failed to help proceedings along I wonder?

    €850 million is not something to turn our noses up at. It's no so little that we can refuse on a whim.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,113 ✭✭✭the whole year inn


    Gladly take a 50 euro charity bet that this goes through within 6 months.
    Bully and scare tactics.


  • Registered Users Posts: 13,147 ✭✭✭✭JRant


    TomOnBoard wrote: »
    Games are being played out!

    Ireland stands to gain €13 billions plus penalties from the EU Apple Tax decision. Apple needs to show that its not going to roll over on that EU demand. While Ireland Inc would love to get the €13+ billions, we're currently playing the public game that we don't want it, but we're using the European Commission to continue to force us to accept it. Then we can say to Apple that "Shure we didn't want to take it, but the lads in Brussels are forcing us to do so"!

    In the meantime, Apple decides to build data centres in 2 locations: 1 in Ireland and 1 in Denmark. Since the announcement, not a sod was turned in Ireland, and the Danes have theirs almost built! If you were Apple, motivated SOLELY by profit, what would you do with all this?

    You'd tell Varadkar that the game is still on, but I don;t like all the goals you're trying to score against me! Hence, no commitment to go ahead with Athenry.

    All the other stuff about Electricity supply, few ongoing jobs etc., while of crucial importance locally and to Ireland Inc., are totally irrelevant to Apple's decision making process. They're issues for Irl inc. to deal with and if we can't or won't deliver the power to their door, they won't be interested in proceeding. And if we do get the 13Bn, they won't be much interested in it then either.

    So, its not about a single thing! Its about all the things that are bubbling away like in a home- made soup. Apple simply doesn't like the stuff that was put into the soup and they prefer both the flavour of the Danish version and the way the Danes chop up their carrots. Hence, the Danes get the go-ahead to start another phase.

    Oh, and of course, our Data Protection Regime, whose light touch would have previously been considered to be a big benefit to a Data Centre here is having to step up its own game to conform to EU & US (Patriot Act) law, probably removing much of the previously considered benefit to Apple of locating its data here.

    One bottom line in all this however is that there does need to be a much more strategic approach to infrastructure (including electrical grid) in this country including zoning for industry across the country and not just in the main Urban centres, before the rest of the country dies a slow death and becomes a set of dormitory towns & villages for the 3 or 4 main centres in which all the industry will locate.

    2 quick things Tom.

    First, this mythical €13b has never and will never be "ours". The EU want us to claim this €13b, put it into an escrow account and then divy it up amongst the other EU countries where this tax was originally liable. Well, I say sod the EU and if other countries feel they are due monies from Apple then they can damn we'll get it themselves. Why should we do their dirty work for them when as a whole they were mighty quick to throw the Irish citizens under the bus to pay back banking debts.

    Second, I absolutely agree that we need to develop areas outside of the main urban areas such as Dublin and Cork. However, how can we achieve this when at every opportunity to do this projects get shot down repeatedly. Grid West was buried by local protestor's. That is the problem in a nutshell and indicative of the issues facing development outside of main urban areas. Until this massive issue addressed then the rest is mere window dressing.

    "Well, yeah, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man"



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,978 ✭✭✭kravmaga


    Great news! Finally.

    Whats the great news dude??

    Apple have not committed to this project even with Leo's visit to Tim Cook in California.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,978 ✭✭✭kravmaga


    L.Jenkins wrote: »
    Talk about a massive fúck up on Irish planning laws if they don't go through with development. Is it definitive that Apple won't proceed? If not, will there be a witch hunt for objectors and others who failed to help proceedings along I wonder?

    €850 million is not something to turn our noses up at. It's no so little that we can refuse on a whim.

    Only 2 objectors whose name are already in the public domain.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,750 ✭✭✭Avatar MIA


    https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/1104/917462-apple/

    To the horror of serial objectors. They'll have to take up Bridge or something else to keep themselves entertained.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,567 ✭✭✭Markcheese


    Doesn't matter really,
    The main delays were judicial reviews and appeals of the an Bord pleanála decision anyway...
    And if you delay something long enough (unless it's an incinerator on a corporation contract) its dead in the water...

    Slava ukraini 🇺🇦



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,593 ✭✭✭cfuserkildare


    Markcheese wrote: »
    Doesn't matter really,
    The main delays were judicial reviews and appeals of the an Bord pleanála decision anyway...
    And if you delay something long enough (unless it's an incinerator on a corporation contract) its dead in the water...

    Not sure why this is such a big deal really,
    Has everyone forgotten the Luas deal?
    Contract went to a French company that only employed French staff, very few Irish employees.
    Might not be such a big deal.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 822 ✭✭✭zetalambda


    Avatar MIA wrote: »
    https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/1104/917462-apple/

    To the horror of serial objectors. They'll have to take up Bridge or something else to keep themselves entertained.

    Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted...


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Avatar MIA wrote: »
    https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/1104/917462-apple/

    To the horror of serial objectors. They'll have to take up Bridge or something else to keep themselves entertained.

    Just to clear up any misunderstanding, the fast tracking of applications will not rule out the ability for people to submit objections. This will not change. The fast tracking just removes 1 layer in the application process, nothing more.

    Any overhaul of the planning regulations will never eliminate the ability to object.


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Markcheese wrote: »
    Doesn't matter really,
    The main delays were judicial reviews and appeals of the an Bord pleanála decision anyway...
    And if you delay something long enough (unless it's an incinerator on a corporation contract) its dead in the water...

    Thats the problem right there. The objector familiar with the system isnt using the process itself to object to something, but rather the flaws inherent within it to attempt to stop a project like Apple’s. Ie, the time associated with the progression of an appeal. He/she is hoping the company will eventually say ‘f*ck this’ and throw in the towel. We don’t know whether Apple will do this or not. Total overhaul needed imo.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 198 ✭✭teddyhead


    Did anyone ever clarify how the thing would be powered ?
    In light of 'the citizens assembly' recommendations regarding carbon emissions , giving Apple the go ahead , with only vague outline of energy requirements would surely run counter to the governments professed 'concern' about energy issues?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,121 ✭✭✭TomOnBoard


    Total overhaul needed imo.

    Fully agree.

    However, we need to be careful! Such an overhaul shouldn't make objection by the State and/or the 'ordinary people' impossible- the country is already overly stacked against the 'ordinary people'. If the mighty and powerful (i.e. hugely moneyed class) are allowed to do what they want without fear of being monitored and/or controlled, the gaff will become even more of a playground for the few and a dump for the rest of us!

    Planning regulations are required everywhere and people have the right in a so-called democracy to object to stuff if it adversely impacts on their lives. However, serial nimbyism that objects to everything just because they can, should not be tolerated either. The balance that is needed is what the Govt. needs to deal with, and I wish it well in doing so, on behalf of all of us!


  • Registered Users Posts: 13,147 ✭✭✭✭JRant


    TomOnBoard wrote: »
    Fully agree.

    However, we need to be careful! Such an overhaul shouldn't make objection by the State and/or the 'ordinary people' impossible- the country is already overly stacked against the 'ordinary people'. If the mighty and powerful (i.e. hugely moneyed class) are allowed to do what they want without fear of being monitored and/or controlled, the gaff will become even more of a playground for the few and a dump for the rest of us!

    Planning regulations are required everywhere and people have the right in a so-called democracy to object to stuff if it adversely impacts on their lives. However, serial nimbyism that objects to everything just because they can, should not be tolerated either. The balance that is needed is what the Govt. needs to deal with, and I wish it well in doing so, on behalf of all of us!

    Exactly right, we can maintain the ability to object with good reason and speed up the entire process. It's the constant delaying that kills projects, not the objections. I mean 2 years have passed with the Apple Data centre objections for a ruling that should reasonably taken no more than 6 months max. Without direct legislative intervention the wigs in the court system will continue to sit on their hands and do whatever is best for them.

    "Well, yeah, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man"



  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    JRant wrote: »
    Exactly right, we can maintain the ability to object with good reason and speed up the entire process. It's the constant delaying that kills projects, not the objections. I mean 2 years have passed with the Apple Data centre objections for a ruling that should reasonably taken no more than 6 months max. Without direct legislative intervention the wigs in the court system will continue to sit on their hands and do whatever is best for them.

    2 bar staff in a busy bar can serve a max of X amount of pints. Shouting, encouraging, incentivising, cajoling or threatening etc might increase the number by a tiny amount but if you want to see more customers served, you have no option but to hire more bar staff

    The capacity of the courts is not infinite as anyone who has ever had to make use of them knows.

    If you want the courts to hear more cases, faster, establish more courts and hire more judges, simple


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,312 ✭✭✭Nettle Soup


    I heard from a local politician last night that Apple have no intention to build the data centre now. He thinks we will regret this planning debacle in years to come.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭Raging_Ninja


    I heard from a local politician last night that Apple have no intention to build the data centre now. He thinks we will regret this planning debacle in years to come.

    Like I said before on this thread, this fiasco doesn't affect just those interested in building datacentres but also those who want to do every other kind big infrastructure project, be they factories or office buildings or bridges or motorways. Years and years of the cancer that are our planning laws and endless sittings of the court.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭death1234567


    TomOnBoard wrote: »
    Planning regulations are required everywhere and people have the right in a so-called democracy to object to stuff if it adversely impacts on their lives.
    Yes they should have the right to object once, at the original planning stage. Once the decision is made by an bord pleanala that should be it. No appeals, no court, no commercial court, supreme court etc. All of that is just a way for the legal profession to make money so of course it won't ever change.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Robbo


    Yes they should have the right to object once, at the original planning stage. Once the decision is made by an bord pleanala that should be it. No appeals, no court, no commercial court, supreme court etc. All of that is just a way for the legal profession to make money so of course it won't ever change.
    You do realise that what you're proposing will require a referendum, don't you?

    Also: reversing out of international treaties and an unseverable portion of our EU membership like a blind granny trying to back an artic out of a multi-storey carpark.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,121 ✭✭✭TomOnBoard


    Yes they should have the right to object once, at the original planning stage. Once the decision is made by an bord pleanala that should be it. No appeals, no court, no commercial court, supreme court etc. All of that is just a way for the legal profession to make money so of course it won't ever change.

    The main point is that an overhaul is needed that balances the rights of the individual with the duties of the State. While I would agree that these things often take too long to get to an end- state, I would not be in favour of a process that cut out the courts completely. The role of the Courts in any democracy is crucial as a mechanism to ensure that the powers of Government and powerful vested interests do not ride roughshod over the rights of the person and Society. The key issue here is the need to ensure balance as between conflicting rights is maintained while always conforming to the rule of Law.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 19,241 Mod ✭✭✭✭L.Jenkins


    Thats the problem right there. The objector familiar with the system isnt using the process itself to object to something, but rather the flaws inherent within it to attempt to stop a project like Apple’s. Ie, the time associated with the progression of an appeal. He/she is hoping the company will eventually say ‘f*ck this’ and throw in the towel. We don’t know whether Apple will do this or not. Total overhaul needed imo.

    They must be delighted with themselves to think the Country can afford to p €850 million down the drain for sh and giggles. That's not to dismiss previous Governments actual failings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,284 ✭✭✭dubhthach


    L.Jenkins wrote: »
    They must be delighted with themselves to think the Country can afford to p €850 million down the drain for sh and giggles. That's not to dismiss previous Governments actual failings.

    850million might be overall cost of data center to Apple, but is not actual cost that would be spent in Ireland. Most of the cost will be made up with actual servers and power distribution system which is manufactured outside of Ireland.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Here we go again...

    https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2017/1205/925069-apple-athenry/
    Objectors to Apple's proposed €850 million data centre outside Athenry in Co Galway, have applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal an earlier High Court decision that gave the green light for the development to proceed.

    The proceedings look set to further delay the planned project, which if it goes ahead could create up to 150 permanent jobs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,090 ✭✭✭dok_golf


    Who's funding the objectors I wonder??


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