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Ireland ‘incredibly important’ to Apple, Tim Cook tells Taoiseach

Ireland ‘incredibly important’ to Apple, Tim Cook tells Taoiseach

  • 17.03.2025 06:07
  • irishtimes.com
  • Keywords: danger, danger

Tim Cook highlighted Ireland’s importance to Apple in a letter congratulating the Taoiseach, praising its role in promoting global competitiveness and inward investment. He emphasized Apple’s commitment to expanding its Cork campus and improving infrastructure while expressing hope for continued collaboration with Irish leaders. Amazon executives also sent congratulations, noting their own significant presence in Ireland and support for EU initiatives.

Apple NewsAmazon NewsAAPLsentiment_satisfiedAMZNsentiment_satisfied

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple is a major company with significant influence in Ireland.

Amazon

Amazon

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Amazon is another major company with positive influence in Ireland.

Context

Analysis and Summary: Ireland’s Strategic Importance to Apple and Amazon

Strategic Importance of Ireland

  • Apple’s Commitment: Apple CEO Tim Cook described Ireland as “incredibly important” to the company, emphasizing its role as a global voice for competitiveness and inward investment.
  • EU Leadership: Cook highlighted Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency (2023) as a significant milestone, underscoring its influence in European affairs.

Workforce and Investments

  • Apple Employment: Apple employs over 6,000 people in Ireland, with plans to expand its Cork campus this year.
  • Amazon Expansion: Amazon employs approximately 6,500 people in Ireland and is opening a dedicated customer service center, underscoring long-term commitment.

Market Competition

  • Global Competition: Apple warned of “aggressive competition” from other countries targeting multinational companies like Apple and Amazon.
  • Infrastructure Concerns: Both companies have raised concerns about infrastructure challenges in Ireland, particularly in Cork, which hinders growth plans.

Policy Influence

  • EU Single Market: Amazon welcomed the Irish government’s commitment to deepen the EU Single Market and create a genuine digital single market.
  • Government Engagement: The Irish government regularly engages with tech giants like Apple and Amazon, acknowledging their long-standing contributions and investments.

Long-term Implications

  • Global Leadership: Ireland’s role as a strategic hub for multinationals positions it as a key player in shaping EU policies and digital market developments.
  • Inward Investment: The country’s ability to attract and retain global tech companies will continue to drive economic growth and influence regional competitiveness.