Hundreds of new Kildare jobs with €5bn Intel expansion
Intel currently employs around 4,900 people in Ireland
Intel has announced a €5 billion investment in its Leixlip campus in North Kildare a move that is expected to create several hundred new permanent jobs and thousands of construction roles in one of the biggest investment announcements for Co Kildare in recent years.
The semiconductor manufacturer said the investment will expand manufacturing output at its existing facilities rather than involve the construction of new fabrication plants. The programme, which began earlier this year, is due to be completed by the end of next year.
Intel currently employs around 4,900 people in Ireland and said growing global demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing is driving the expansion.
Naga Chandrasekaran, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operations Officer and General Manager of Intel Foundry, said the investment would strengthen the company's operations in Ireland.
"This €5 billion investment represents a definitive commitment to maximize capacity at our Leixlip campus and increase what we can deliver to Intel Foundry customers," he said.
"By investing in our existing fabs with state-of-the-art technology and installing cutting-edge tools, we are ensuring that Ireland remains at the forefront of the world's most advanced manufacturing ecosystems, while strengthening the region's role in the global technology landscape."
Welcoming the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the investment as a strong endorsement of Ireland's position as a global technology hub.
"At a time of rapid technological change and global competition, this expansion strengthens Ireland's role in securing resilient semiconductor supply chains and reinforces our ambition to remain a global leader in innovation, productivity and sustainable economic growth," he said.
Intel has invested more than €30 billion in Ireland since establishing operations in Leixlip in 1989.
The announcement comes just over a year after the company confirmed that up to 195 jobs at the Kildare plant could be affected by compulsory redundancies as part of a global restructuring programme. Since then, Intel has benefited from renewed demand for AI-related technology and data centre products, with the latest investment signalling renewed confidence in its Irish operations and securing Leixlip's role as one of Europe's leading semiconductor manufacturing sites.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD today warmly welcomed Intel’s €5 billion capital investment at its Leixlip campus in Co Kildare describing it as “a huge vote of confidence in Ireland’s research sector”.
“Today’s investment will mean the building out of Intel Xeon 6 semiconductor chips and next gen’ Intel Xeon right here in the heart of County Kildare. This investment will bolster’s Europe’s tech’ sovereignty, protect European manufacturing from geopolitical risk and ensures we have advance manufacturing capacity here in Ireland. It is a huge vote of confidence in Ireland’s research sector and re-affirms the strong relationship between Intel and Leixlip,” Minister Lawless said.
This project is expected to engage specialised tradespeople across construction and equipment install, in addition to full-time high-tech jobs at Intel and supports key government policy to grow and strengthen Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem, positioning Ireland as a leading European manufacturing hub.
It further serves as a critical contribution to the European Union’s Tech-Sovereignty ambitions, facilitating a resilient, domestic supply of leading-edge processors. Intel has invested more than €30 billion in Ireland since establishing operations in 1989, with the Leixlip campus serving as one of the company's most advanced manufacturing facilities.
Global demand for AI and high-performance computing is driving the need for advanced silicon to power AI Factories. Intel is scaling capacity in Ireland to deliver Intel Xeon 6 and next gen Intel Xeon built on its Intel 3 node. Intel’s Leixlip campus employs 4,900 people and is the forefront of semiconductor innovation, contributing significantly to Ireland's reputation as a global technology hub.
Deputy Joe Neville has warmly welcomed the announcement today in the Intel campus describing it as a major vote of confidence in the workforce in Leixlip and positions Ireland as one of Europe’s leaders in Semi-Conductor manufacturing. Deputy Neville said “This investment sends a strong message that Leixlip continues to play a central role in Intel’s global operations.
“Having grown up in Leixlip I have seen Intel develop first hand and know the key role that it plays in our country and across the globe. “The benefit of this investment stretches far past the campus gates. It supports local suppliers, creates job opportunities, and strengthens the long-term future of one of Irelands most important employers.
“I want to thank my colleague Minster Peter Burke for ensuring that Ireland is promoting the work that the Leixlip campus is doing through the National Semiconductor plan and placing importance on its development. “I will continue to work in my role as Spokesperson for Infrastructure and Delivery to ensure Kildare North has the supporting infrastructure for this investment including public transport, water supply and road improvements” Deputy Neville concluded.