Chip maker Intel's research and development arm Intel Communications Europe has launched an €18.6m project which Tanaiste Mary Harney has described as one of the largest R&D projects undertaken in Ireland.
The 'Westport' project is aimed at developing a next generation network processor for the emerging 3G mobile and high speed broadband markets.
Intel Communications Europe is based in Shannon, Co Clare, and employs over 100 people.
The Tanaiste said the new chips, which would be designed at Shannon, could become the first to be manufactured at Intel's new wafer fabrication plant at Leixlip, Co Kildare.
The Government is providing €3.1m for the project under its R&D Capability Grant Scheme.
