Intel expansion – Credit due for besting competitors

The announcement by the US computer chip manufacturer Intel that it plans to create 400 jobs as part of a €1.6 billion expansion of its operations in Leixlip, Co Kildare, is most welcome.

This not only reaffirms the jobs of the 4,700 people, who are already directly employed by, or contracted to, the company in Leixlip and Shannon, but it should also provide encouragement for the creation of other jobs and confirm this country’s position at the forefront of computer development.

Intel plans to produce the next generation of computer chips in Ireland. This chip is reputed to be smaller, faster and uses less power than those on the market. This should enhance the growing international reputation of the Irish workforce in the high-skilled areas of modern technology.