Analog begins €630m plan to transform Limerick campus

ANALOG DEVICES management in Limerick are planning a redevelopment of the firm’s campus at the Raheen Industrial Estate.

It comes as the company plans to invest €630m in a new research and development plant.

The first of two planning applications is currently before Limerick City and County Council which, if granted, will clear the way for major development at the Analog campus, which employs 1,300 workers in Limerick.

The firm exists to manufacture and develop semiconductor devices, which are used to conduct electricity in all forms of technology.

Its latest development - revealed in May - is likely to see more than 600 new positions added.

The first application, which is due to be decided upon by September, will provide for the partial demolition of some of the sections of Analog’s building, the construction of hoarding around the edge of the site, and the temporary cladding of exposed areas of the building which arise from the demolitions.

A second application, expected to be submitted to council planners in the coming days, envisages the change of use of what remains of the existing industrial building from industrial and ancillary office use to solely office use.

A new two or three storey extension will be constructed to the rear, according to a notice published in last weekend’s Limerick Leader.

This will be used to house high-tech laboratory and research space, meeting rooms, a reception area, a canteen, a gym for staff and an external terrace.

And a new mezzanine level will be added as part of this project.

In the grounds of the Analog campus, a new pedestrian plaza with bike parking will also be put in place.

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While a representative for Analog Devices was unavailable for comment this Tuesday, it’s understood the development relates to the firm’s new multi-million euro plan.

The investment envisages the construction of a new state-of-the-art 45,000 square foot research, development and manufacturing facility.

It will support Analog's development of high-level electrical engineering projects which will be used in the industrial, car, healthcare and other sectors.

It’s expected to triple the Analog Devices production capacity in this field and double its capacity for internal manufacturing.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, which saw Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney visit the site, Analog chief executive said: "This next-generation semiconductor manufacturing facility and expanded research and development team will further extend Analog Limerick’s global influence.

"We are striving to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges and enable a more efficient, safer, and sustainable future."

Mr Varadkar said: "This is a really significant announcement for Limerick and the Mid-West region, which marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Analog and Ireland.

"This massive €630 million investment is great news for local employment with lots of jobs being created during the construction phase, and 600 high-end graduate jobs.

"It means a significant expansion in the size and scale of ADI’s research, innovation, and development, leading to new, highly innovative products. This investment is further evidence of the government’s commitment to bringing jobs to the Mid-West."

"Most IDA jobs created in recent years have been outside of Dublin, and Limerick has done particularly well with its deep talent pool, universities, airport, and infrastructure," he added.