Intel Network Processing Group's new research and development facility, based in Shannon, Co Clare, was officially opened yesterday. It is the only such centre owned by Intel outside the US and is involved in developing broadband technologies for the small office/home office (SOHO) market. Mr Tom Franz, general manager of Intel NPG, said the £2 million (€2.54 million), 22,000 sq ft facility, based at Shannon Development's East Park, would employ about 100 staff by the end of 2001. The company has recreated the "final mile" characteristics of the broadband network at the facility.

Intel also employs about 4,400 people at Leixlip, Co Kildare, manufacturing silicon chips.