Intel made its second significant research and development announcement in a month with the opening of a new IT innovation centre in Leixlip yesterday.

The firm, which employs 3,200 staff at its Leixlip computer chip manufacturing operations, will invest €12 million in the project, which will develop and showcase a range of Intel technologies.

Initially 40 experienced IT R&D engineers will work at the innovation centre, which will work in collaboration with other global Intel operations and a range of academic institutions.

At the launch yesterday in Leixlip, Intel's director of IT innovation, Mr Martin Curley, said Trinity College Dublin had already purchased technology from the innovation centre.

The new project will focus on software and systems that facilitate the connection and sharing of resources across a network. Researchers will also address the fields of mobile computing, hand-held and wearable devices and the development of education and learning technologies.

The Leixlip project is Intel's second major R&D investment this month in the Republic following the launch of an €18.6 million project in communications research in its Shannon facility.

IDA Ireland said yesterday that 15 companies had announced plans to invest €43 million in the first six months of the year.

IDA has committed €12 million to these projects and will provide grant aid to the new Intel centre.