A group of local citizens is opposing Apple's proposed €850 million data center near Athenry, Co Galway, Ireland, according to The Irish Times (http://tinyurl.com/olvyfw2).

Energy use concerns, impact of noise on a local primary school and on bird life, and the potential for a "greenway" cycle route are among the issues raised in a number of submissions on the project lodged with the Galway County Council by residents of Lisheenkyle, near Oranmore in Co Galway. The governing body was supposed to reach a decision on Apple's application on Thursday, but is now seeking "further information."

The residents are critical of the environmental impact statement (EIS) accompanying Apple’s planning application, which seeks approval for a 24,505 square meter, single-story data center building, along with logistics, administration, maintenance and security buildings in the townland of Palmerstown and Toberroe near Athenry, notes The Irish Times. Apple's application includes proposals for 18 generators and a 2.4m high perimeter security fencing, along with supplementary tree planting, landscaping and an "amenity walkway."