Intel plans hailed as a major jobs boost for Meath

News of Intel's plans to create a further 1,600 jobs in Leixlip with an additional investment of €12 billion has been hailed as a major jobs boost for Meath.

The move will bring the tech giant’s employment in Ireland to 6,500 and its total investment here to €30 billion.

The latest Irish investment comes as part of a €33billion investment into European facilities, the biggest chunk of which will be a new €17billion facility in Germany.

Cllr Nick Killian said part of the growth of Ratoath was due to the employment created in the area by Intel.

“Intel is a very big employer locally. Not alone does it employ many people from the area in its nearby facility but there is also wide employment in support services.

“This is a very positive announcement and it is great news for Meath.

“Even though some people have expressed disappointment at the company's investment in Germany, this announcement shows the company still has a firm commitment to Kildare, Meath and surrounding areas,” he said.

Cllr Damien O’Reilly welcomed the announcement.

“Intel employs so many in the south Meath area directly and now indirectly with years of construction jobs ahead. “They have a long-standing commitment to supporting local sporting organisations and schools within Meath. This is a great announcement, for Kildare, south Meath and Ireland.”

Eamonn Sinnott, Intel Ireland General Manager said: “The level of investment announced today is the strongest possible evidence of Intel’s deep commitment to Ireland and demonstrates that Ireland is a very competitive location for leading edge investments such as these and will be into the future.”

CEO IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan said: “This investment comes on the back of the €18.7 billion invested by Intel since 1989, €5 billion of which has been invested since 2019. In all, Intel’s investment in Ireland (existing and planned) now stands at €30 billion. “What is clear from the announcement is that Ireland remains integral to Intel’s European and global plans. Intel’s campus in Leixlip is home to one of the largest industrial construction projects in Europe, and will house some of the most complex manufacturing facilities in the world.”