Intel creates 400 jobs in €1.6bn deal

COMPUTER chip manufacturer Intel is to invest €1.6 billion and create 400 jobs at its Kildare plant in a "major coup" for the economy, Tánaiste Mary Harney announced yesterday.

In one of the largest investment deals ever negotiated by the IDA, the leading semiconductor manufacturer will produce the next generation of computer chips at its Leixlip site.

Ms Harney said the money would be invested over a number of years and production would begin in 2006.