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Apple Invests EUR3 Billion in Cork, Ireland

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 9:46 GMT by RTE Online
      Locales: Munster, IRELAND

Cork, Ireland - February 20th, 2026 - Apple today unveiled a massive EUR3 billion expansion of its European operations in Cork, Ireland, a move poised to reshape the regional economy and cement Ireland's status as a global tech powerhouse. The investment, announced this afternoon, will encompass a state-of-the-art data center and extensive upgrades to Apple's existing Cork campus, promising approximately 1,000 new high-skilled jobs.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Taoiseach Eamon de Valera hailed the announcement as "a defining moment for Cork and Ireland," emphasizing Apple's enduring confidence in the nation's skilled workforce and its potential for continued innovation. This isn't simply a financial injection; it's a validation of Ireland's strategic importance in Apple's global ecosystem and a reaffirmation of its commitment to long-term growth within the country.

The cornerstone of the expansion is the new data center, designed to significantly bolster Apple's cloud infrastructure. With Apple's services sector - including iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade - experiencing continued and rapid growth, the demand for robust, reliable, and scalable data storage and processing capabilities is paramount. The Cork facility will not only serve the European market but will also play a critical role in supporting Apple's global services network. Industry analysts predict that this data center will incorporate cutting-edge cooling technologies and renewable energy sources, aligning with both Apple's commitment to sustainability and Ireland's green energy initiatives.

Apple's presence in Cork dates back over 40 years, initially focused on manufacturing. Over time, the campus has evolved into a sophisticated operation encompassing customer support, research and development, and a range of other critical functions. The existing facility already provides employment for thousands, and the addition of 1,000 new roles will have a substantial ripple effect throughout the local economy. Beyond the direct job creation, the expansion is expected to stimulate growth in supporting industries - from construction and engineering to hospitality and retail - creating a positive feedback loop that benefits the entire Cork region.

Local officials are particularly enthusiastic about the potential for attracting further foreign direct investment. The Apple expansion serves as a powerful signal to other multinational corporations that Ireland offers a stable, supportive, and highly skilled environment for long-term investment. The project is intrinsically linked to Ireland's National Development Plan 2025-2035, which prioritizes attracting high-value, sustainable industries, and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

However, the announcement hasn't been without some scrutiny. Concerns have been raised by environmental groups regarding the energy demands of a large-scale data center. Apple has proactively addressed these concerns, committing to powering the facility entirely with renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power. They've also pledged to implement water conservation measures and minimize the environmental impact of construction and operation.

This investment also comes at a time when Ireland is actively seeking to diversify its economy beyond traditional reliance on pharmaceutical and financial services. The expansion of the tech sector, led by companies like Apple, is crucial to achieving this goal. It's anticipated that the new jobs created will require a high level of technical expertise, prompting increased investment in STEM education and training programs across the country. University College Cork (UCC) and the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) are already collaborating with Apple on curriculum development to ensure a pipeline of skilled graduates to meet the growing demand.

The timeline for the project is ambitious. Apple expects to begin construction on the data center within the next six months, with initial operations slated to begin in late 2027. The upgrades to the existing campus will be phased in over the next three years. This rapid deployment underscores Apple's commitment to realizing the benefits of this investment as quickly as possible.

The Cork expansion is more than just a building project; it's a strategic investment in Ireland's future, solidifying its place at the forefront of the global tech industry. It is a testament to the enduring partnership between Apple and Ireland, and a powerful symbol of confidence in the nation's potential for innovation and growth.