Intel R&D expansion to create 130 jobs for region
Saturday February 28 2009
MORE than 130 jobs may be created after computer chip giant Intel announced plans for a new research centre.
The US multinational, which 10 days ago moved to axe 300 posts at its flagship Kildare plants, is to expand its R&D business in the Shannon Free Zone in Co Clare.
Tanaiste Mary Coughlan said growing the level of R&D investment by new and existing multinationals in Ireland is a key government priority.
"Knowledge is now the key to competitive advantage in smart economies," the Tanaiste said. "Today's investment announcement gives very real meaning to our ambition to develop Ireland's smart economy."
Intel said the investment could create 134 jobs over the next four years in Shannon, bringing its the total employment there to around 300.
The investment will support two separate R&D projects developing the next generation of microchips for small to medium-sized businesses and a second software development plan.
Intel Ireland's Jim O'Hara said: "We are facing significant challenges in the global economic environment.
Slowdowns
"However, it is important to recognise that we have weathered cyclical slowdowns before, most notably at the beginning of this decade ... just as the Shannon operation came into existence."
The investment was secured with the support of IDA Ireland.
Barry O'Leary, IDA Ireland chief executive, said: "Securing this investment by a leading company like Intel is an endorsement of both the availability of talented people in Ireland and the 'Team Ireland' approach, where the collaborative effort of state development agencies, local authorities and educational establishments results in winning new investments."
In January, Intel revealed plans to slash its worldwide workforce by up to 6,000 and shut down five factories in the US, the Philippines and Malaysia. The chip maker's Irish wing did not escape unhurt, with management confirming last week they were asking 300 workers to accept voluntary redundancy.
- Ed Carty
