Apple's decision to place on the market the 500-acre site, which was due to be home to a major data centre, before it fell foul of planning objections, marks "the latest abandonment" of the east Galway town.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil Galway East TD, Anne Rabbitte, who has called for the IDA and the Government to outline plans for the development of Athenry’s major industrial and technology sites.
“Athenry has been hit with many setbacks when it comes to job creation and town rejuvenation," she said. "The loss of the Apple site was a major setback for Athenry, not to mention the Galway County Council losing out on a potential €2 million in annual rates."
However, Dep Rabbitte said the Apple site was not the only issue of concern. She pointed to the 240-acre IDA site in Athenry, bought for €36 million, but which has been "sitting idle for over a decade".
"There’s been no development," she said. "If these sites were developed and companies attracted in, whether technology, pharma or otherwise, it would be a major boost to the town and surrounding areas."
Dep Rabbitte has raised the issues with the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys. She is also in the process of organising a public meeting on "the rejuvenation of Athenry town centre" to allow businesses and residents "voice their opinions on what needs to be done".
