Green light for Apple to extend building at Cork campus

Tech giant Apple has been given the go-ahead for an extension to an existing building at its European headquarters on Cork’s northside.

Last September, Apple Operations International Limited lodged an application with Cork City Council seeking permission for the demolition of part of an existing warehousing building and the construction of a new extension to that building at its site in Hollymount Industrial Estate in Hollyhill. 

The proposed use of the new extension, the application said, includes warehouse space and a central food processing unit with staff facilities and office space at mezzanine level.

It said that proposed site development works would include the construction of a new substation building, a new vehicular gate and a new pedestrian access from Harbour View Rd.

Planners in Cork City Council sought further information before making a decision on the application.

In that request, the council queried several matters including whether the proposed demolition of part of the existing warehousing building was justified, asking “in the interest of sustainability”, if the existing structure could be retained and retrofitted for the new use proposed.

The response stated that Apple had been advised that the works that would be needed to retain the existing structure “would not be a sustainable option”.

Cork City Council have now approved the proposed development subject to 14 conditions, the details of which have not yet been published.