Digital Infrastructure Ireland appoints Ronan Kelly as chief executive
Former AllPoints Fibre Networks managing director to lead industry body as Ireland seeks to strengthen its position in global digital infrastructure investment
15 May 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Digital Infrastructure Ireland (DII) has appointed technology executive Ronan Kelly as its new chief executive officer, with the appointment taking effect from 1 July 2026.
Kelly joins DII from AllPoints Fibre Networks, where he served as Managing Director and previously Chief Technology Officer since 2024. He brings more than 30 years of experience across telecommunications and digital infrastructure, including leadership roles supporting challenger organisations and global telecom operators.
The appointment comes at a significant time for Ireland’s digital infrastructure sector, with growing focus on data centre delivery, energy capacity, connectivity infrastructure and international investment competitiveness.
Announcing the appointment, DII Chairperson Maurice Mortell said Kelly’s experience and industry expertise would support the organisation through its next phase of development.
“We are delighted to welcome Ronan Kelly as Chief Executive Officer of Digital Infrastructure Ireland. He brings extensive experience, strong leadership and deep industry expertise to guide DII through its next phase,” he said.
“Ireland now has a renewed opportunity to regain its position as a leading destination for digital infrastructure investment. Ronan’s leadership will be critical as we work with our partners to realise that opportunity.”
Commenting on his appointment, Kelly said the sector was entering a pivotal period for both policy and investment.
“I’m honoured to lead Digital Infrastructure Ireland at such a pivotal time for both the organisation and the sector. Our focus now is on supporting our partners, bringing clarity to complex challenges and helping create the conditions needed for Ireland to compete for the next wave of digital infrastructure investment,” he said.
Kelly said recent Government actions had improved policy direction for the sector, but warned that long-term certainty would be required if Ireland is to remain internationally competitive.
“We are seeing a more positive policy direction for digital infrastructure in Ireland, and commend recent Government actions helping bring greater momentum and sense of clarity after years of uncertainty. However, significant work remains if Ireland is to fully realise the opportunity ahead,” he said.
“Ireland has built a globally recognised ecosystem that is actively building, designing and delivering digital infrastructure projects worldwide. Ensuring that capability continues to grow is now critical.”
“Achieving this will require long-term policy certainty. Without it, Ireland risks missing this wave of digital infrastructure investment and weakening its position as a global technology leader.”
The appointment follows the recent transition of Digital Infrastructure Ireland to an industry-owned company limited by guarantee (CLG), formalising the organisation’s structure to support long-term growth and partner engagement.
The transition also follows the planned departure of founder Garry Connolly, who will step away from the organisation at the end of September after establishing both DII and its predecessor initiative, Host in Ireland.
Mortell said the organisation would continue to build on that legacy while expanding its role within the sector.
“We are deeply grateful to Garry Connolly for the vision and commitment that built the foundation of DII and its predecessor, Host in Ireland, and for his instrumental role in shaping this community of partners,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of interim CEO Michelle Wallace, who will remain involved with the organisation as a board member and member of DII’s executive leadership team.
Kelly is a former three-term President of FTTH Council Europe and holds both an MBA and MSc from TU Dublin.
