Intel's multi-billion decision to put Ireland under test amid US plans to overhaul global tax 

Chipmaker may opt to double up on its enormous presence in Ireland — or invest elsewhere in the EU

In March, Intel announced it was creating 1,600 new jobs in a new microchip manufacturing facility on its campus in Leixlip, Co Kildare. The chip giant is on track to decide in the next six months whether it will expand in Ireland, or make its first investment elsewhere in the EU.

Intel remains on track to make a key decision in the next six months over the location of its next multi-billion investment in the EU, setting a test for Ireland just as US president Joe Biden pushes for an overhaul of the global tax regime.

The Irish Examiner understands that Intel is sticking to a plan to decide by the end of the year on whether to double up on its enormous investment in Ireland, home to the chipmaker's only existing EU semiconductor plant, or whether to go for the first time elsewhere in Europe.