iTunes. Image: charnsitr/Shutterstock
Apple’s “long-term romance” with Ireland shows no signs of slowing down, despite the EU Commissioner ruling that it owes the State €13bn. iTunes is on its way to Cork.
Earlier this month, the Apples were going stale in Ireland after the Government stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the tech giant, as the EU wielded its ‘pay your taxes’ gavel.
Many feared Apple would run scared from such a ruling, leaving the country and taking its 5,000+ direct jobs with it.
In the four weeks both prior and since the ruling, the company has instead furthered its interests in Ireland, having been granted planning permission for two major expansions in Mayo and Cork. The latest news emerging from Apple is that its iTunes office will be heading to Ireland, too.
In a letter to developers issued a week ago, Apple said it will complete a merger between its Luxembourg office and its Hollyhill office, before relocating to Cork in early 2017.
“As we continue to expand our operations in Cork, we are moving our business there and iTunes content will support more than 100 stores for country clubs from our campus at Hollyhill,” it read.
In light of the Hollyhill expansion approved in August, with up to 1,000 jobs following suit, Apple’s ties with Ireland appear more entrenched than ever.
Apple’s relationship with Ireland “has not been diminished one iota”, said Cook at the time of the EU ruling, labelling the Ireland-based employees “world class”.
“I’m pretty confident that the Government will do the right thing. That is to stand up and fight against this overreach,” he said.
Apple will be sticking around to find out.
