Intel confirms huge multibillion-dollar Ireland expansion plans

Expansion comes as Intel looks to bolster manufacturing capabilities

Intel has filed a request for a huge expansion to its Irish manufacturing campus.

The chip maker had already announced plans to boost the size of its Leixlip facility, but has now confirmed it is seeking to expand the base still further.

The new plans, combined with others announced last year, could see Intel build two new factories.

The vendor's Irish general manager Eamonn Sinnott said: "Intel Ireland submitted an application to Kildare County Council for an extension and revision to a planning permission which was granted to us in October 2017.

"As you may be aware, we recently began the early phase of site enablement works for manufacturing site expansion in Leixlip.

"These enabling works are being undertaken within the scope of the planning permission granted to us in 2017. In the weeks and months ahead, we will be actively engaging with our key stakeholders and the broader community."

The announcement comes after Intel reported a record year earlier this month, before appointing its new CEO.

Plans to bolster its Irish plant were first announced last year, as part of a multibillion-dollar initiative to bolster Intel's manufacturing capabilities worldwide.

The vendor plans to expand further sites in Arizona, Oregon and Israel, with construction set to start this year.

The expansions are partly to help keep up with demand for its 14 nanometre chips, Intel said.