Fears over 5,000 Irish jobs as Intel to cut 20% of workforce

James Cox

There are concerns over the impact reported job cuts at Intel could have on its Irish operations, which employ 5,000 people.

Bloomberg News is reporting the technology company plans to slash 20 per cent of its global workforce this week.

Intel employs nearly 5,000 people across Ireland, with the majority based here in Leixlip, Co Kildare.

It has been a key employer here since 1989 quickly becoming the base for all European manufacturing operations.

The layoffs are understood to be part of a strategy to refocus on an engineering driven culture.

The question now is how exactly this will impact the Irish branch, which is responsible for the high volume manufacturing of chips.

Kildare North TD Naoise Ó Cearúil has expressed deep concern following reports that Intel is set to cut over 20 per cent of its global workforce.

The new restructuring plan comes under the company's new chief executive Lip-Bu Tan.

The move follows a previous round of job cuts in 2024 and is part of a wider cost-reduction strategy aimed at reshaping the company’s focus.

“This is a deeply difficult and uncertain time for employees in Intel and for their families, particularly those based in Kildare. My thoughts are with all of them today as they face this worrying news. Intel has been a major employer in Kildare for decades, and its presence is central to the local economy.”

Mr Ó Cearúil confirmed that he will be engaging with relevant Government ministers to ensure sufficient supports are put in place for anyone affected.

“I will be contacting the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Social Protection to ensure that clear supports and pathways are made available to workers who may be impacted. No one should face this uncertainty alone.”

He also pointed to the global context in which these decisions are being made.

“This announcement highlights the volatility of global markets and how decisions taken abroad can have a very real and immediate impact on families and communities here in Ireland. We must act swiftly to support those affected and protect jobs into the future.”