The Daily Star Ireland
Intel has notified the Irish Government that up to 195 positions at its manufacturing facility in Leixlip, County Kildare, may be subject to compulsory redundancy. This notification was submitted to the Department of Enterprise under collective redundancy procedures, and while the figure represents the upper limit, it may ultimately be revised downward depending on the outcome of an internal review.
A consultation process is now in progress to identify which roles may be impacted, with a conclusion expected by September. The Leixlip site currently employs approximately 4,900 individuals, making it one of Intel’s largest operational hubs in Europe.
The proposed redundancies come in the context of broader global changes at the company. In April, Intel revealed plans to reduce its global workforce by up to 20 percent, citing underwhelming financial performance. At the time, the company had issued earnings that failed to meet analyst expectations.
Intel Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan, in a message to employees, noted that the company needed to simplify its structure, re-energize its engineering focus, and make difficult but necessary decisions to ensure long-term stability. He confirmed that workforce reductions would be implemented as early as the second quarter and would proceed swiftly over the following months.
In a more recent statement, Intel reiterated its commitment to becoming more agile and efficient. The company said it was making strategic adjustments to prepare for the future and would prioritize fairness and respect in managing the changes that affect staff.
Political and State Response to Job Losses
The announcement has prompted a political response, with Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly calling for a coordinated support plan for the affected workers. Representing the Kildare North constituency, Farrelly wrote to Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, seeking clarity on the specific measures the Department and the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) would undertake.
Farrelly stressed the importance of ensuring that all employees facing redundancy are provided with comprehensive information about their rights and entitlements. He also urged that options for upskilling and continuing education be included in the support framework.
Later in the day, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary confirmed that his Department would engage directly with Intel to deliver targeted support. Calleary said that staff from the Department would meet with affected workers and offer guidance on available income and employment assistance.
One key component of the support plan is the new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit scheme, which offers eligible individuals a weekly payment of up to €450. The scheme is designed to provide a temporary financial buffer while jobseekers pursue new opportunities.
Additionally, the Department’s support team will work to facilitate access to training programs, career transition services, and other pathways to re-employment or educational advancement. Authorities emphasized that efforts would be made to deliver these resources quickly and without bureaucratic delay.
