Apple is to build and operate an €850 million data centre in Athenry, Co Galway. The facility will be the company’s largest data centre project in Europe, providing 300 jobs during its multiple phases. “We are grateful for Apple’s continued success in Europe and proud that our investment supports communities across the continent,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This significant new investment represents Apple’s biggest project in Europe to date. We’re thrilled to be expanding our operations, creating hundreds of local jobs and introducing some of our most advanced green building designs yet,” he added. The new facilities will run entirely on clean, renewable energy sources. Apple will also work with local partners to develop additional renewable energy projects from wind or other sources to provide power in the future. These facilities will have the lowest environmental impact yet for an Apple data centre. Apple’s vice president of environmental initiatives, Lisa Jackson, said the company is excited at the prospect of encouraging green industry growth in Ireland, it intends to develop energy systems that will take advantage of Ireland’s strong wind resources. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he is delighted that Apple has chosen Ireland for this major new investment. “It is a very significant investment in the west of Ireland and is fantastic news for Athenry, with significant knock-on benefits for the region. Apple has had a major presence in Ireland for many years… today's announcement is another extremely positive step in the right direction,” he said The data centre, measuring 166,000 square metres, is expected to begin operations in 2017 and will include designs with additional benefits for its community. Apple will recover land previously used for growing and harvesting non-native trees and restore native trees to Derrydonnell Forest. The project will also provide an outdoor education space for local schools, as well as a walking trail for the community.