Comments by Michael Martin, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, at the announcement of the creation of 80 new jobs by Intel Communications Europe

In Shannon on 13 ^th September 2005

I am delighted to be here today to announce that Intel Communications Europe (ICE) here in the Shannon Free Zone will creation of 80 new jobs over the next 3 years, half of those by the end of 2005.

Two years ago, the Government approved significant Research and Development support, under the Government’s R&D Capability Grant Scheme, for ICE’s research and development activities here in Shannon. The objective of the Government’s R&D Capability Grant Scheme is to address the low levels of investment in R&D in both the Irish and FDI client base. It is designed to encourage companies to build up their R&D function. It is clear today from the leading edge R&D activity being undertaken here in Shannon that ICE has more than satisfied the Government’s objective of enhancing R&D capability in Ireland.

Intel Communications Europe’s parent, Intel Corporation, is the world’s leading semiconductor chip maker, employing over 80,000 people worldwide, and supplying the computing and communications industries with chips, boards, systems and software building blocks that are integral to computers, servers, networking and communications products.

Intel Communications Europe was established in the Shannon Free Zone in 1999 and today employs over 120 people most of whom are software or hardware engineers. ICE also provides divisional business, technical and marketing support for European customers and the field sales organization. The Shannon Free Zone was chosen as the location for this centre over a number of other locations in Ireland and Europe. Primary consideration was given to the closeness to a respected third level educational institution and the ease of access offered by proximity to an international airport.

We in Ireland are familiar with Intel Corporation as a major employer with its European Manufacturing Centre at Leixlip. Although they are in different operating sectors of the Intel organisation, the Shannon and Leixlip operations work closely together, and in fact together launched the first communications processor to be fully designed developed and manufactured in Ireland. The design and development of the IXP425 processor was carried out by ICE here in Shannon before being manufactured in Leixlip.

Ireland’s sustained economic growth and prosperity depends upon establishing a culture of scientific and technological innovation, and on developing a high level of collaboration and linkage in research and development between the academic and business communities. In this regard, I welcome the educational links, equipment support and collaborative activities, that ICE has established with second and third level colleges in this Region.

The presence of ICE in the Shannon Free Zone amply illustrates the continuous reinvention process which the Shannon Free Zone has undergone over many decades in order to maintain its position as one of the leading business parks in Ireland, in terms of its size, its multi-sectoral nature, its employment, and its interaction with Shannon Airport and the surrounding region. Knowledge is now the key to competitive advantage, and successsful companies and regions must build their own capabilities for growth and development. This is happening here at ICE and at Shannon.

I conclude by congratulating Intel Communications Europe on their achievements todate, and I wish the team here in Shannon every success in the future.

ENDS

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