Ronan Kelly appointed chief executive of Digital Infrastructure Ireland as data centre construction pipeline grows

Technology industry veteran Ronan Kelly has been appointed chief executive of Digital Infrastructure Ireland (DII), the lobby group representing firms involved in data centre operation, construction and servicing in Ireland, with his tenure set to begin on 1 July 2026. The appointment comes at a critical juncture for Ireland's data centre construction sector, as new grid connection rules and AI-driven demand reshape the pipeline of projects under development.

The Irish Times reported that Kelly succeeds DII founder Gary Connolly, who stepped down recently and has informed the board of his intention to leave in September. Michelle Wallace has been serving as interim chief executive in the intervening period.

Kelly joins from Allpoints Fibre Networks, where he served as managing director and previously as chief technology officer. He has worked across the technology sector for 30 years and is a three-time president of the Fibre to the Home Council of Europe. He holds an MBA and an MSc from Technological University Dublin.

Kelly said DII would focus on creating the conditions needed for Ireland to compete for the next wave of digital infrastructure investment, adding that while recent government actions had brought greater momentum and clarity after years of uncertainty, significant work remains if Ireland is to fully realise the opportunity ahead.

DII chairman Maurice Mortell said the State has an opportunity to regain its position as a leading destination for data centres and that Kelly's leadership would be critical in working with partners to realise that opportunity.

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