20th August 2026
New Council to support delivery of Silicon Island and advise on the future development of Ireland's semiconductor industry
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, today announced the establishment of the Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector, a key milestone in the implementation of Silicon Island: Ireland's National Semiconductor Strategy.
The new Council will provide independent expert advice to the Minister and Government on the continued development of Ireland's semiconductor sector, helping to shape policy, strengthen competitiveness and support the delivery of the ambitions set out in Silicon Island.
Chaired by Dr Ann Kelleher, former Senior Vice President at Intel Corporation, the industry-led Council brings together distinguished leaders from across the semiconductor ecosystem, including multinational industry representatives, indigenous enterprise leaders, investors and research experts.
Announcing the establishment of the Council, Minister Burke said:
"The establishment of the Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector marks an important milestone in the delivery of Silicon Island and demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Ireland's position as a global leader in semiconductors. The sector is strategically important to Ireland's economic future, and the Council's expertise will help guide the next phase of growth, innovation and international competitiveness.By bringing together leaders from industry, research and investment, we are creating a strong platform to support collaboration, inform policy and ensure Ireland is well positioned to seize emerging opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector."
Minister Burke also announced the appointment of Dr Ann Kelleher as Chair of the Advisory Council. Welcoming her appointment, the Minister said:
"I am delighted that Dr Ann Kelleher has agreed to serve as Chair of the Advisory Council. Her exceptional leadership, global experience and deep understanding of the semiconductor industry will be invaluable in guiding the Council's work. I would also like to thank all Council members for their willingness to contribute their expertise to this important national initiative."
Speaking following her appointment, Dr Kelleher said:
"I am honoured to chair the Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector and thank Minister Burke for the opportunity to contribute to this important national initiative. Ireland has built world-class capabilities in semiconductors over many decades. I look forward to working with Council members and stakeholders across industry, academia and Government to help deliver the ambitions of Silicon Island and further strengthen Ireland's position within the global semiconductor ecosystem."
The Advisory Council has been established for an initial three-year term and will monitor the implementation of Silicon Island, advise the Minister on sectoral priorities, support collaboration across Government and enterprise agencies, and provide strategic recommendations on future opportunities and challenges facing the semiconductor industry.
Notes to editors
Chair
Dr Ann Kelleher is former Senior Vice President of Technology Development at Intel Corporation. During a distinguished 30-year career, she held senior engineering and leadership roles across Intel's Irish and international operations, culminating in responsibility for the company's global technology development programmes and advanced semiconductor process technologies.
Advisory Council Membership
The Council comprises senior leaders from industry, investment, research and innovation, including:
- Dr Ann Kelleher (Chair)
- Mike Morrissey, Analog Devices
- Ruth Cotter, AMD
- Colin Ryan, Qualcomm
- Conor Ryan, Applied Materials
- Seán Mitchell, Ubotica Technologies
- Jason Lynch, Equal1
- Elaine Coughlan, Atlantic Bridge
- Leonard Hobbs, MIDAS Ireland
- Dr Denis Doyle, Tyndall National Institute and IDA Ireland
- Professor Ronan Farrell, Maynooth University
Role of the Advisory Council
The Advisory Council will:
- monitor implementation of Silicon Island and track progress against strategic objectives
- advise the Minister and Department on developments affecting the semiconductor sector
- support collaboration and co-ordination across Government, enterprise agencies, industry and research organisations
- advise on Ireland's engagement with European semiconductor policy, including the European Chips Act
- identify emerging opportunities, challenges and risks affecting the sector
- provide strategic recommendations to support the continued growth and competitiveness of Ireland's semiconductor ecosystem
- support information sharing and market intelligence to strengthen Ireland's role as National Competent Authority under the European Chips Act
ENDS
For further information please contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200
Back to Department News