ITS Ireland
Recognition Awards 2026

Our nominee established and championed Limerick City's Urban Traffic Control System. He was instrumental in developing routine ITS maintenance documentation and was pivotable in trialling new technology including micro-processor traffic signal controllers and a comprehensive urban CCTV network. He managed to extract maximum returns from restricted Budget investment and increasing demands on ITS services.

He was very committed as regards hosting visits to the TMC and regularly received visits from other Local Authorities.

He was involved with an innovative tagging system used to reserve parking for Disabled Drivers.

Rory was actively involved in the highlighting the need to secure ITS throughout the process of amalgamation to form Limerick City & County Council. He was very successful in persuading Senior Management as to the merits of an integrated approach to ITS.

David O’Keeffe is a leading advocate for intelligent transport systems (ITS) in Ireland and internationally. As Chair of ITS Ireland from 2010-2016, he regularly promoted the role of ITS in delivering safer, more efficient and more sustainable transport networks through conferences, seminars and industry forums.

His presentations and publications include contributions to the ITS World Congress in Chicago (2002), through to the ITS European Conference in Glasgow (2016) and the ITS World Congress in Melbourne (2016). He also published articles and technical papers on traffic management, ITS, mobility and transport network efficiency.

David’s leadership within ITS Ireland was complemented by his professional contribution to the wider development of the ITS sector in Ireland.

Through work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, David helped develop national ITS strategies and implementation plans, supporting the future-proofing of Ireland’s transport network for emerging technologies including Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) and Connected and Automated Mobility.

David has also directed and advised on a wide range of nationally significant ITS initiatives., including motorway network operations.

David’s contribution spans organisational leadership, national strategy, international representation, policy development, standards creation, technology deployment and industry advocacy. As a founding member and first Chair of ITS Ireland, combined with his significant contribution to advancing intelligent transport systems in Ireland and internationally, he has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to ITS Ireland and the wider ITS profession.

Dónal has been a prominent representative of ITS Ireland in national and European professional forums. As Chair of ITS Ireland and subsequently Vice Chair and Chair of the ITS Nationals Network, he has led meetings, communicated organisational priorities and contributed to sector dialogue across the European ITS community in various presentations form many years.

Dónal has served continuously as an ITS Ireland Board Member and International Liaison Officer since 2010, a period of 16 years. He also served as Chairperson of ITS Ireland from November 2019 to December 2022.

Dónal has developed ITS Ireland's external relationships and standing. He has represented ITS Ireland at the highest level within the European ITS community. He served as Chair of the ITS Nationals Network for the period July 2024 to June 2026. The Network represents 30 national ITS organisations.

His sustained voluntary leadership has enhanced the visibility, credibility and international reach of ITS Ireland.

Dónal has made a substantial wider contribution to intelligent transport and traffic management through almost three decades of public- and private-sector engineering leadership. His roles include MetroLink Technical Interface Manager with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Taken together, Dónal's sustained service to ITS Ireland, distinguished international representation and practical leadership in the planning, governance and delivery of intelligent transport systems make him a highly deserving recipient of honorary recognition.

David has spoken and moderated many seminars and sessions at the ITS Ireland Conference. In his role as Chair, he led proceedings at numerous events.

Holding an executive position on the board for multiple years David was one of the founding members of ITS Ireland and has held various board positions since 2010. While he took 2 years off to do his masters, he came straight back on the board and has now been chair for the past 4 years.

David has previously been Vice Chair and has held the position of Chair for the past 4 years. He has led the board in the development of our recent strategy document. He was also instrumental in the formation of ITS4ALL and has contributed considerably to developing ITS Ireland and promoting it across Ireland.

David has spoken at many international events on behalf of ITS Ireland. He was a keynote speaker at the ITS New Zealand Conference in 2024 and has represented Ireland at numerous meetings, be that with the Department of Transport, Ertico, ITS Nationals, to name but a few.

David has shown his commitment to ITS Ireland since the beginning. He has worked with all stakeholders to ensure its success and has contributed greatly to its current success.

David has contributed extensively over a period of years  to ensure the success of ITS Ireland and has contributed greatly in terms of his personal time to ensure this.

Mark has played a central role in ITS Ireland's conference and seminar programme since the organisation's formation. He served as event manager and organiser of the ITS Ireland Annual Conference from 2010 to 2026. He also organised the 2016 DATEX Forum at Trinity College Dublin and contributed to the organisation of several major national and international transport events.

For the past 16 years he has held the elected roles of Finance Director and Company Secretary. This represents exceptional continuity of governance, financial stewardship and organisational knowledge.

His contribution has helped create the structures, events and professional networks through which ITS Ireland has developed its membership, profile and relevance.

Representing ITS Ireland internationally Mark has represented and supported ITS Ireland through a range of internationally significant events. His roles include amongst others: host committee member for the 2013 European ITS Congress in Dublin; event manager for the 2016 DATEX Forum; committee member for Transport Research Arena 2024; and member of the National Advisory Group for the 2027 ITS World Congress in Birmingham.

He has assisted in terms of finance for the ITS Nationals. He has been part of the ITS Nationals committee that developed the exhibition stand at Intertraffic in 2024 and 2026.

He has combined this service with professional work in intelligent transport systems, helping to promote the practical value of ITS technologies in Ireland. His standing as an industry leader and his long-term advocacy have strengthened the credibility and visibility of ITS Ireland.

Taken together, his sustained service to ITS Ireland, technical leadership and contribution to the wider profession make him a highly deserving recipient of honorary recognition.