Inland Fisheries Ireland announces appointment of new CEO

The Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has today announced the appointment of Dr Eamonn Kelly as the new Chief Executive Officer of IFI.

Dr Kelly has been appointed to serve a five-year term and will take up the position on April 13th.

He was selected following a competitive recruitment process managed by the Public Appointments Service.

Welcoming the appointment Prof Tom Collins, IFI Board Chair, said: "Dr Kelly brings vast environmental knowledge and experience to the role, and the IFI Board very much looks forward to working with him. IFI is currently undergoing a process of significant positive change and reform to strengthen its governance. 

"Dr Kelly is tasked with continuing this progressive programme of work, and in particular to execute IFI’s core priorities in its Statement of Strategy 2026-2030. He will lead a dedicated and specialist workforce responsible for the protection of key natural resources including 74,000km of rivers and streams, together with 128,000 hectares of lakes."

Dr Eamonn Kelly takes up post at Inland Fisheries Ireland from An Coimisiún Pleanála, where he was appointed in 2023 as a Board Member and Planning Commissioner, undertaking the decision-making function for planning appeals and strategic infrastructure applications.

He holds a BSc and a PhD in Zoology, both from the University of Galway, and a Diploma in Corporate Governance.

Dr Kelly worked for 12 years at the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and managed the delivery of research and advice in relation to the conservation and restoration of protected species and aquatic habitats.  He has also worked in inshore fisheries development. 

He has previously served as a Principal Officer in the Civil Service, and was also posted to Brussels for four years as an Irish diplomat to the EU.