AMAZON has been granted planning permission for the construction of a cable landing station building at Tullineaskey West, Clonakilty to facilitate a multi-million state-of-the-art transatlantic Fastnet subsea fibre optic cable system which will connect Maryland in the US and Cork.

The planned underwater fibre optic cable, which is roughly the size of a domestic garden hose, will be delivered to Castlefreke and the network is expected to be operational in 2028, subject to planning permission.

When operational it will deliver data at speeds of more than 320 terrabits per second which is enough to stream 12.5m HD films simultaneously.

Amazon MCS Ireland Ltd lodged a planning application in January for the cable station and the authority has granted the company planning subject to 19 conditions including that existing trees or hedgerow at and within the site shall be retained and protected and that landscaping of the site shall be carried out in accordance with the site layout and landscaping plans received by the planning authority.

The development will involve the demolition of two existing buildings at the site and the construction of a cable landing station building, an ESB substation and switch room building and all external plant consisting of a condenser compound, generators, fuel tanks and all associated fencing and site development works.

There was one observation from landowners living next door to the proposed development who said that the proposed proximity of fuel storage tanks, backup generators, an ESB substation and associated infrastructure to their home gives rise to serious concerns regarding noise, safety, visual intrusion and general residential amenity.

‘In particular, noise emissions from generators and operational equipment have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the quiet enjoyment of our home,’ they noted.

They also expressed concerns due to the industrial nature of the development and its proximity to their home, suggesting it is likely to have an adverse effect on the value of both their residential property and the adjoining lands.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously said that Amazon’s new Fastnet transatlantic cable represents a vote of confidence in Ireland’s digital future.

‘This investment will enhance our global connectivity, reinforce the resilience of critical digital infrastructure and strengthen our economic competitiveness.’

Just last month, Amazon announced a new South West Cork Community Fund where local community groups and organisation could apply for grants of up to €10,000.

The successful applicants will be announced on May 27th.