Concern raised following Intel, Kildare layoff reports

Kildare North TD Naoise Ó Cearúil (FF) has expressed deep concern following reports that Intel is set to cut over 20% of its global workforce as part of a major restructuring plan under its new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan.

The move follows a previous round of job cuts in 2024 and is part of a wider cost-reduction strategy aimed at reshaping the company’s focus.

Intel currently employs around 4,900 people in Leixlip, County Kildare.

“This is a deeply difficult and uncertain time for employees in Intel and for their families, particularly those based in Kildare”, Deputy Ó Cearúil said this week.

“My thoughts are with all of them today as they face this worrying news. Intel has been a major employer in Kildare for decades, and its presence is central to the local economy.”

Deputy Ó Cearúil confirmed that he will be engaging with relevant Government ministers to ensure sufficient supports are put in place for anyone affected.

“I will be contacting the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Social Protection to ensure that clear supports and pathways are made available to workers who may be impacted. No one should face this uncertainty alone.”

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He also pointed to the global context in which these decisions are being made.

“This announcement highlights the volatility of global markets and how decisions taken abroad can have a very real and immediate impact on families and communities here in Ireland. We must act swiftly to support those affected and protect jobs into the future.”

Meanwhile, Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly has said the Minister for Enterprise must immediately clarify whether he has any knowledge of any potential job losses at the Leixlip plant.

Deputy Farrelly, who represents the Kildare North constituency, said: “Reports that Intel will be cutting 20% of its workforce are hugely concerning for its thousands of staff in Leixlip, where the company has had a longstanding presence. 

“I have today written to Enterprise Minister Peter Burke seeking clarification on whether he has been in touch with Intel about these reports - or any other contact he has had with the company. 

“The Minister should also make clear that State supports for workers, should they be required, will be available and in place immediately. 

“Intel has invested significantly in Leixlip, where it employs almost 5,000 people - those workers and their families deserve to know its plans for the future.”

According to Deputy Farrelly, despite talk of potential job losses there is reason for “optimism” in Leixlip, given the huge investment the company has made in its plant and the high-tech manufacturing that takes place there.

The company must now clarify its plans at the earliest possible opportunity - and the government must be ready to step in and provide supports if needed, he concluded.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: "I continue to engage with Intel, supported by colleagues in IDA Ireland, ahead of the company’s Q1 financial results being announced tomorrow night. We have a very strong relationship with management in Intel, both in Ireland and the US, with the company investing significantly here over the last 35 years, most recently opening Fab 34 in 2023 with an investment of €17 billion.

"Ireland continues to play an important role in Intel's plans as the European hub for manufacturing semiconductors, and we don’t see speculation around headcount reduction changing this. We continue to partner with Intel in areas of research and innovation and our upcoming National Semiconductor Strategy launch will further enhance this important sector.

“I appreciate speculation is very difficult for staff in Leixlip, and we will continue our engagement with management over the coming weeks and months."

Kildare Live is currently awaiting a response from Intel Ireland's Leixlip Campus.