I welcome the decision by the council to grant planning for the new site. From my meetings with Intel I understand this application has been in the process for some time but this is the final stage of securing that permission. Essentially the entire manufacturing process has to be rewired for the next generation of chip technology which involves wholesale changes to every aspect of the facility. This is ground breaking, globally leading technology being developed right here in Leixlip.

In my role as technology spokesperson for Fianna Fáil I meet with Intel regularly and congratulate them on this next step. They are a fantastic local employer and also heavily invested in the local community and this grant of permission is a very welcome and progressive step by the county council.

This permission now enables Intel Ireland to bid for the tender which if successful will create 3,000 construction jobs and in excess of 850 full time jobs once developed.