Apple is setting up its largest European data centre project in Ireland.

It is investing €850m in building the complex in Athenry, Co Galway.

The Galway project will work in tandem with another one in Denmark to power online services including the iTunes, the App Store and Maps.

A total of 300 jobs will be created across the stages of development - with 100 people working in the centre when it is completed in 2017.

Work on the project is expected to begin shortly pending planning permission. It will restore native trees to Derrydonnell Forest - and also provide an education space for local schools and a public walking trail.

The IDA, jobs minister and the Taoiseach have welcomed the announcement.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today's announcement marks "a very significant investment in the West of Ireland and is fantastic news for Athenry with significant knock-on benefits for the region.

He also said he had met Apple CEO Tim Cook twice to push for the project.

While Mr Cook said: "This significant new investment represents Apple’s biggest project in Europe to date. We’re thrilled to be expanding our operations, creating hundreds of local jobs and introducing some of our most advanced green building designs yet."

Speaking to Galway Bay FM, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said the investment will have significant impact.

Originally posted at 8.25am