Mercury Engineering to let 40 workers go from Intel project – The Irish Times

Job Cuts at Mercury Engineering

Mercury Engineering, a specialist builder with operations across Europe, is cutting 40 jobs from its Irish operations. The layoffs primarily affect staff working on Intel's Fab 34 plant in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, which is nearing completion.

Impact of Intel Project Completion

The reduction in workforce is a direct result of the winding down of construction contracts at Intel's Fab 34 plant, a project with a €17 billion investment. Despite the job cuts, Mercury remains involved in other substantial projects, especially in pharmaceutical manufacturing driven by foreign investment.

Future Outlook and Industry Concerns

While Mercury is advertising for around 150 new positions, the situation highlights concerns about Ireland's data centre industry. Gary Connolly of Digital Infrastructure Ireland warns about the export of Irish expertise to other European countries while the domestic industry experiences stagnation.

• Concerns exist about the lack of government support and policy uncertainty hindering development.
• Other countries are making significant investments to attract the data centre industry, leading to potential loss of Ireland's leading position.