Intel gets nod to build $4 billion plant in Ireland

The company has received approval to build a chip plant in Ireland that could create 4,300 new jobs, says tech news site Silicon Republic.

Lance Whitney Contributing Writer

Lance Whitney is a freelance technology writer and trainer and a former IT professional. He's written for Time, CNET, PCMag, and several other publications. He's the author of two tech books--one on Windows and another on LinkedIn.

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Lance Whitney

Jan. 25, 2013 6:29 a.m. PT

Intel has the go-ahead to construct a $4 billion plant in Ireland where it will design the next generation of 14 nanometer processors.

The chip giant received the OK from Ireland's lead planning agency, according to Ireland-based tech news site Silicon Republic. With that approval a done deal, the project just needs authorization from Intel's board to move forward.

Construction is expected to take two years and could create 3,500 construction jobs and 800 full-time permanent positions. The plant will be located at Intel's campus in Leixlip, County Kildare, where 4,000 people already work, Silicon Republic said.

The Leixlip plant will join sites in Oregon and Arizona where Intel will make the leap to 14 nanometer processors from the current 22nm. Beyond 2013, the chipmaker is eyeing even smaller-scale processors, hoping to move to 10nm, 7nm, and finally 5nm in 2019.