In Ireland, Tim Cook talks about canceled data center and shoots: "We didn't come here for taxes"

Everyone's favorite CEO (or not) continues his tour through the Ireland, where he was at the opening of the expansion of the Apple campus in Hollyhill and did not miss the opportunity to criticize the reversed policy of the Trump administration that was separating parents and children on the US-Mexico border.

Now the Irish Times shared another brief interview with the executive, this time focused on local issues namely the discarded plans for a new data center in the Irish city of Athenry and the recent problems encountered by Apple with the tax benefits granted by the country. Cook's general message to the Irish was clear: “We continue to dedicate ourselves (Ireland).”

About the saga of data center canceled, Cook stated:

We loved the community there and luckily we had a great support from them, because they wanted us there. This is probably the biggest disappointment from our point of view; We feel that we could have earned our place in the community and made many friends, as we did in Cork, and develop this relationship over time. But we understand and respect the process.

Speaking of the tax benefits granted by the Irish government and consequently deemed illegal by the European Commission, Cook was adamant:

Honestly speaking, we didn't come to Ireland for taxes. We came to Ireland in 1980 because we saw a community that we believe could grow, and could do a number of things to help the continent. We followed this path for almost four decades. It was not a straight line, life is not a straight line, things go up and down, but since then it has been an upward trajectory. I don't imagine it changing.

The CEO also dismissed the matter when asked if there would be further expansions to the campus in Cork (the company already the largest employer in the region), stating that the issue depends on "a change of rules", without specifying which ones, but stressing that he does not plan to stop to grow in no time.

I had a great time in Cork visiting the Apple family and our friends. See you again soon! 🇮🇪

Cook also spoke about the thriving community of European developers, which Apple has paid over 20 billion since the App Store was created and which has had visible effects on the Irish economy in the country, just over 17,000 developers.

it is a phenomenal change that is only a decade old. Someone can sit in your basement or in your home and, clicking on a button, you are selling your creation in 155 different countries. incredibly empowering one of the fastest growing segments of the economy in almost every country in the world.

Cook's full interview can be read here.

via Cult of Mac