Intel workers in Ireland evacuated following security alert

13 Jan 2015

UPDATE: Workers at Intel’s manufacturing plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare, were this morning evacuated after a phone threat was received. It is understood the alert is over and workers have returned to their posts.

The threat has created traffic chaos in the Leixlip area and around the M4 motorway.

According to reports a threat was phoned to the company at around 6.30am this morning.

It is now understood that a bomb threat was made by the caller. According to reports the caller claimed to be from ISIL.

Gardai are at the scene and a thorough search for suspect devices is underway.

Intel employs over 4,000 people in Ireland and significant construction projects are underway to prepare the plant for the next phase of technology, including 14nm chip assembly processes.

Intel has spent over US$5bn over the past three years to prepare the plant to produce the new chips. The latest phase of construction will generate 5,000 construction jobs.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com