Inland Fisheries Ireland Appoints Dr Eamonn Kelly As New CEO

He was chosen through a competitive recruitment process overseen by the Public Appointments Service.

Dr. Eamonn Kelly assumes his role at Inland Fisheries Ireland after serving on the An Coimisiún Pleanála board in 2023 as a Planning Commissioner, handling planning appeals and strategic infrastructure decisions.

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

Dr. Kelly spent 12 years at the National Parks and Wildlife Service, leading research and conservation efforts for protected species and aquatic habitats, and has experience in inshore fisheries development.

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He has also served as a Principal Officer in the Civil Service and spent four years in Brussels as an Irish diplomat to the EU.

"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."

Inland Fisheries Ireland is the state agency responsible for managing and protecting Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources. Established on 1st July 2010 under the Fisheries Act, it operates under the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE).

The agency’s core mission is the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of inland fisheries. It advises the Minister, develops policies and national strategies, and supports initiatives to improve fisheries and promote sea angling across Ireland.

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.