Athenry shows its support for Apple

Athenry is hoping its rally to show solidarity with Apple’s plans for a data centre in the town will bear fruit.

A large crowd – estimated at between 2,000 and 3,000 – marched in support of the tech giant’s plans to establish a €850 million base in Athenry.

The turnout far exceeded organisers’ expectations, and reminded the US multinational that a majority of Athenry residents want the project to proceed.

People travelled from all over Galway, including the city, to publicly show their approval for the proposal, which is stalled due to a legal challenge.

However, on Monday, there was good news for Apple supporters when it was confirmed that the judicial review of the project has been fast-tracked to the Commercial Court instead of the High Court.

It could have taken up to 18 months to get a decision in the High Court but the case has been listed for hearing next March, with a decision due in April.

On Sunday, marchers gathered at the church and walked the short distance to the town square where a rally was held.

The march was led by local businessman Kevin Higgins, chairman of the Athenry for Apple group, which he formed last week with the sole purpose of showing support for Apple’s ambitions.

Speakers included Galway County Councillors Peter Feeney (FG) and Gabe Cronnelly (SF), Minister of State Seán Canney (Ind), as well as his fellow Galway East TDs Anne Rabbitte (FF) and former junior minister Ciaran Cannon (FG).

Paul Keane and Padraig Lynch, experts in the IT field, also spoke in favour of the plans. Other politicians in attendance included: Galway West TDs Noel Grealish (Ind) and Hildegarde Naughton (FG) as well as Minister Seán Kyne (FG), and Councillors Jim Cuddy and Michael Moggie Maher.

“People weren’t marching for themselves, they were marching for hope,” said Councillor Peter Feeney, a member of the Apple for Athenry group, and chairman of the community council.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.