Apple has petitioned Ireland’s High Court to fast-track a High Court judicial review related to its planned data center, planned to be built in Athenry. The Cupertino firm is hoping to avoid the usual wait of up to 18 months for a normal judicial review. The motion will be heard by the High Court on November 7.
The company has specifically applied to be on the commercial list at the High Court, which can speed up disputes with over 1 million euros involved, the Irish Times said on Tuesday. That could shorten the wait to six months or less.
Apple announced plans for a new data center back in February 2015. While the project has support from both the private and governmental sectors, it has faced a number of objections over concerns such as potential flooding, power usage, and the project’s effect on local wildlife and livestock. The request for a High Court review stems from objections by three private parties.
If the Athenry data center is ever finished, it is expected to cost in the realm of 850 million euros, and will eventually grow to as many as eight data halls. The project was expected to be the first European data center for Apple, but a Danish center currently under construction is now expected to be finished first.
