The Irish Independent has today reported that Apple has received planning permission for an expansion at its European Head Quarters in Cork that is to deliver 1,000 jobs.

An Bord Pleanála gave the expansion plan the go-ahead after dismissing an appeal against the development by local residents. The plan by the iPhone maker comprises a four-storey office block and a 752-space car park that is planned to accommodate the additional 1,000 employees.

The move will bring Apple's workforce in Cork to 6,000 and in documents lodged with Cork City Council, Apple stated that the proposed new office space will enable Apple to expand its workforce at the Hollyhill site while also supporting its economic development objectives.

The appeal by residents has thrown off Apple's timeline for the development. It told the City Council that it planned to commence construction on the project, subject to planning, in June of this year and the proposed development to become operational during November.

However, with the appeal delaying the planning process by four months, it is now likely that the new development will not come on stream until 2017 as the construction period is five months. Apple has confirmed that the construction phase will employ 200 workers.

Source: www.businessworld.ie