SIRO-Vodafone Welcomes Killarney Innovation Centre To The Gigabit Hub Initiative

Killarney Innovation Centre has become the latest member of the SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub initiative. The initiative, a collaboration between SIRO and Vodafone, delivers world-class connectivity to digital hubs nationwide.

The Centre officially joined the Gigabit Hub Initiative at a formal launch event undertaken by Minister for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley, along with representatives from SIRO, Vodafone and the Killarney Innovation Centre.

This connectivity partnership is set to accelerate innovation and business growth in the Kerry region by providing the Centre’s dynamic community of more than 20 companies with access to cutting-edge Gigabit full fibre broadband.

Since its establishment in the late 1990s, the Killarney Innovation Centre has been a cornerstone of Munster’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Housing a diverse array of companies—ranging from financial treasury solutions and software development to sports statistical analysis and health & safety consultancy—the Centre has become a pivotal hub for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the area. Over the past two decades, more than 120 businesses have found a home within its walls, collectively creating thousands of jobs, stimulating local supply chains, and significantly contributing to the local economy.

The Killarney Innovation Centre joins over 20 leading digital hubs across Ireland, including Galway’s PorterShed, Skibbereen’s Ludgate Hub, and Dundalk’s Creative Spark, in benefiting from Vodafone-SIRO’s Gigabit Hub initiative.

By joining the Gigabit Hub initiative, the Centre will now provide its residents with access to Gigabit full fibre broadband, ensuring they have the state-of-the-art connectivity needed to excel in today’s digital economy.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Killarney Innovation Centre has consistently offered a nurturing environment for start-ups, SMEs, and established businesses. With high-quality facilities, including flexible office spaces, co-working areas, and modern meeting rooms, the Centre has played a crucial role in driving economic development and job creation in the region.

Integrating SIRO’s Gigabit broadband will greatly enhance the Centre’s capabilities, offering unparalleled internet speeds that support advanced technological applications such as AI, Big Data, or Cloud computing, and seamless global communication. This upgrade will attract more start-ups and established businesses to Killarney, further stimulating economic growth and innovation.

As the business landscape evolves, the Killarney Innovation Centre remains dedicated to expanding and adapting its services. Future plans include a significant expansion of the hub’s size, advanced co-working spaces, and additional meeting and conference rooms equipped with the latest audiovisual technology.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD speaking at the launch event noted:

“I want to pay tribute to the Killarney Innovation Centre which has been a dynamic centre since it was established in 2000. It is now hosting 27 companies. I want to congratulate the board and I wish SIRO and Vodafone well. The SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative is a great addition to the centre. It is providing high speed connectivity to remote workers and businesses in Kerry.”

SIRO Chief Commercial Officer Ronan Whelan, said:

“SIRO extends a warm welcome to the Killarney Innovation Centre as it joins the Gigabit Hub initiative. At SIRO, we believe that access to fibre connectivity is a crucial driver of innovation and economic growth. It’s essential for all businesses that want to adopt digital technologies to grow their business. By providing the Killarney Innovation Centre with Gigabit full fibre broadband, they will enjoy enhanced technological capabilities, empowering them to support local businesses and jobs.”

Consumer Director Vodafone Ireland, Chris Stagg, concluded:

“Vodafone is proud to support the Killarney Innovation Centre as it joins the SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub initiative. This partnership underscores our commitment to empowering local communities through cutting-edge connectivity and with our gigabit fibre broadband we are helping to ensure that the Centre continues to be a vital hub for innovation and economic growth whilst supporting jobs within the business sector here in Kerry”.

Manager of Killarney Innovation Centre, Conor O’Leary, expressed:

“We are thrilled to announce that the Killarney Innovation Centre has joined the Gigabit Hub Initiative, made possible through our partnership with SIRO and Vodafone. With 1Gbps speeds now available, our clients can benefit from top-tier connectivity essential for driving innovation and growth. This advancement represents a major step forward in our mission to nurture creativity and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and businesses in Killarney and the greater Kerry region. It underscores our ongoing commitment to providing our clients with the best possible supports and services.”

Killarney Innovation Centre Chair of the board, Mr Sean Counihan, said:

“We’re delighted that the Killarney Innovation Centre is now a part of the Gigabit Hubs Initiative, offering our clients access to 1Gb speeds thanks to our partnership with SIRO and Vodafone. This significant upgrade empowers our businesses with world-class connectivity, driving innovation and growth in the heart of Killarney and the Kerry region.”

We are now accepting applications for GigaBitHub Initiative within our network footprint. For more information, please visit https://siro.ie/about-us/gigabit-hubs/