Over 2,000 people gathered in Athenry at lunchtime in support of Apple’s planned data centre near the town.
It comes as the tech giant has asked the High Court to fast-track a legal challenge which has stalled its plan to build the €850 million centre.
Last month, two applications to seek a Judicial Review of the decision by An Bord Pleanála to allow the facility, were granted in the High Court.
The solidarity march, led by the newly formed ‘Athenry for Apple’ group, got underway at 11.30am at the church, and made its way towards the Square where a rally got underway.
Gardaí estimate over 2,000 people were in attendance at the march, which was also attended by a small group of local protestors against the plans.
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A spokesperson for the protest group says the number of jobs set to be created does not justify the amount of energy the planned facility would use.
However, locals said Apple’s planned investment is just what the town needs after a difficult number of years.
Among the supporters at this afternoon’s event were government minister Sean Kyne and Sean Canney.
Minister of State and Galway West TD Sean Kyne said Apple’s presence in Athenry would set a precedent for future investment.
OPW Minister Sean Canney says he wanted to back the locals in their support of Apple in a bid to ensure Athenry gets back on its feet.