Planning permission has been approved to develop a storage data centre in Galway.

Apple is to invest €850 million in the new centre which will be based in Athenry.

Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins welcomed the announcement.

Senator Higgins said: "Multinational investment is very important for Athenry and we are strategically placed in terms of road, rail and airport infrastructure so I hope this project is just the beginning. It is fantastic that this prime site will now accommodate the development of 300 jobs over multiple phases of the development process, from construction onwards. There is also the spin off effect to consider for the local community and businesses, which stand to gain considerably after many years struggling in the wake of the economic collapse.

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"Apple's investment is incredible both in its size and in its vision. The data centre will be run using 100 percent renewable energy, a feat of sustainability and environment responsibility. Apple has also promised to deliver for the local community here in Athenry. The plant will include outdoor education space and walking trails for local schools as well as schemes to replant native trees in the surrounding area."

(CD)