Intel has confirmed a coronavirus outbreak on the construction site for its new fabrication facility in Kildare.

The company said it believes there have been around 70 positive cases so far but noted that it remains a “fluid situation.”

The site is one of the largest in the country, with up to 5,000 employed there on a daily basis.

In a statement, Intel said its main contractor is “actively working with the relevant Public Health authorities.”

It said contract tracing has been carried out for all confirmed cases and all workers who were exposed have been told to self-quarantine and monitor their health.

“Additional testing of workers at the construction site is being carried out and any affected areas are subject to deep cleaning and disinfection,” it said.

The company said it is working with its construction team to, “understand what has happened in this situation and how it can be addressed with corrective measures.”

It noted that all the workers on-site have now been informed of the situation.

Work began on the new 110,000 square metre manufacturing fabrication facility in Leixlip in late 2019.

When planning permission was granted, the company said the site would create 3,000 construction jobs over four years.

It said there would be 6,000 workers on-site during the peak of the construction phase.