People in a small town in Ireland are planning a march this weekend to show that they support Apple’s plans to build a data center in their area, reports Business Insider. The Cupertino, California-based company wants to build an €850 million (£756 million) server farm in a forest just outside Athenry, County Galway.
Apple planned to start building the data center on a 500-acre site before the end of 2015. However, it was delayed when unhappy Irish citizens lodged formal complaints with the Irish government. Complainants argued that the data centre would increase noise and light pollution, flooding, and traffic.
Some also said it would act as an eyesore and others said it would harm the local badger and bat populations. They filed complaints with the Galway County Council, local planning body An Bord Pleanála, and the High Court.
In a bid to show that the wider Athenry community is in support of Apple’s plans, local residents are planning a march through the town center this Sunday. According to Business Insider, “many of them are deeply upset that Apple’s data centre is facing ongoing delays and some of them are concerned that Apple will abandon its plans altogether if it’s held up much longer.”
