Computer chip manufacturer Intel has announced plans for a €1.6bn investment in Ireland which will create around 400 jobs.
The project involves the manufacture of the next generation of computer chips at its facility in Leixlip, Co Kildare.
The project is being backed by IDA Ireland although its grant to Intel is subject to EU approval.
It will bring the total number employed by Intel in Ireland to more than 5,000.
Intel plans to equip the Leixlip plant with the technology to produce the next generation of chips, which will be smaller and faster and will use less power than those currently produced.
Construction of the new facility will begin immediately with production starting in the first half of 2006.
Tánaiste Mary Harney described the news as 'a major coup' for Intel Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Irish economy. She said Ireland faced stiff competition from several locations for the investment.
