Couple object to planned Amazon landing station in West Cork 

A couple living near the West Cork site of Amazon’s planned landing station, part of the multi-million euro Fastnet transatlantic underwater fibre optic cable connecting Ireland and the US, have appealed the proposed development by the tech giant to the planning commission.

In April, Amazon received the green light from Cork County Council to construct a cable landing station, an ESB substation, a switch room building, and external plant works, including a condenser compound, generators and fuel tanks at Tullyneasky West, about 5km from Clonakilty.

Two existing buildings on the site would also be demolished as part of the plans.

The development is part of a larger project which includes the provision of a new subsea fibre-optic cable, landing at Owenahincha before being brought to the site at Tunnyneasky. 

According to Amazon, the Fastnet system is designed to handle growing AI traffic loads and combines “robust cable armouring with additional layers of protective steel wires in nearshore areas to protect against natural and human activity”.

Third party appeal 

However, the positive bid from the county council now lies with the planning commission following a third-party appeal by nearby residents of the proposed development.

In its objection to the county council, Eileen Lynch and Owen McCarthy, who appealed the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála, said the development would significantly impact their residential amenity, warning that the proximity of fuel storage tanks, backup generators, and an ESB substation to their home would give rise to “serious concerns regarding noise, safety and visual intrusion”.

The couple also noted that the emissions from generators and operational equipment could “significantly and adversely” affect the quiet enjoyment of their home.

The objection also included environmental and safety concerns, with the couple raising questioning the safety implications of locating fuel tanks and electrical infrastructure in such proximity to their home.

Impact on property value

Light pollution, the plan’s visual impact and the impact on their property value were also noted in the couple’s list of concerns, with Ms Lynch and Mr McCarthy adding that the development could also seriously affect the future potential of their adjoining land, including the “reasonable prospect” of their children building homes on this land.

Last November, Amazon laid out its plans for the new transatlantic underwater fibre-optic cable connecting Cork with Maryland on the US east coast, which it said would be operational by 2028.

The company said its Fastnet system will keep data services running even if other undersea cables encounter issues. Amazon Web Services (AWS) added that the system will deliver data at speeds of more than 320 terabits per second.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in November that the cable will help Ireland become “a true gateway to Europe for submarine telecommunications cables.

The planning commission is due to decide on the proposed development by September 10.