Amazon Web Services (AWS) has assured that it has no plans to build a data centre at the landing point at Owenahincha for its transatlantic fibre optic cable, Fastnet, which will connect Maryland in the US and Cork.

By Kieran O’Mahony

It has also confirmed that the underwater fibre optic cable, which is roughly the width of a domestic garden hose, will not land within the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) near Castlefreke.

This was of huge concern to both locals and environmental groups when Amazon’s plans were first unveiled earlier this year.

The cable system will have a capacity of 320 terabits per second, enough to stream 12.5million HD films at the same time.

The network is expected to be operational in 2028 subject to planning permission being granted. AWS confirmed that the initial off-shore marine survey works permitted by the Maritime Usage Licence (MUL) are now complete.

A spokesperson for AWS said the company is committed to preserving the integrity of the coastal dune system throughout the installation process.

‘We will employ proven low-impact installation methods that avoid disturbing the dune structure and maintain this important coastal environment. During the initial survey operations we employed Marine Mammal Observes to ensure the protection of marine life. This practice will continue during the cable installation phase, with trained observers on board to monitor and prevent any potential interactions with marine mammals.’

A fishing liaison officer is also being employed by the company to ensure there is consistent and clear communication with fishing communities throughout the installation process.

Cllrs Isobel Towse (SD) and Daniel Sexton (Ind Ire) met with AWS representatives this week seeking clarification on a number of queries that constituents relayed to them.

Cllr Towse said they were told that only one building in Tullyneasky West is being purchased by AWS as a Cable Landing Station (CLS) and it will not be used for a data centre.

‘We were also informed that their recent survey didn’t go through the SAC and that the cable won’t be going through it either. We were also told about the establishment of a Community Benefits Fund where communities can apply for funding for initiatives,’ said Cllr Towse.

‘We want people to know the facts too. This isn’t to do with the store of Amazon and the cable will be used for faster internet. This is all of course subject to planning permission. There is also the issue of digging up 7,000 km of the sea bed which I would have huge concerns about from an environment perspective.’

A MAC (Maritime Area Consent) from MARA (Maritime Area Regulatory Authority) will be applied for shortly, conditional on securing other necessary approvals.

It is understood that if a MAC is granted then the company will be required to apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for planning permission to install the cable.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Amazon’s new Fastnet transatlantic cable represents a vote of confidence in Ireland’s digital future, helping to enable the next wave of innovation in cloud computing and AI.

‘By linking County Cork to Maryland in the United States, Ireland will become a true gateway to Europe for submarine telecommunications cables,’ he said. ‘This investment will enhance our global connectivity, reinforce the resilience of critical digital infrastructure, and strengthen our economic competitiveness.’