The Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) will hold its AGM today (Friday, 19 June 2026) at the John B. Keane Suite, Harbour Hotel, Galway City. It’s expected that IFPO members will take a united approach on the need to urgently address the crisis facing the fishing industry.
IFPO chief executive Aodh O Donnell says around 30 members are expected to attend the organisation’s AGM, celebrating fifty years since its incorporation. “We are delighted to announce that a special guest at this year’s AGM is the Marine Minister, Timmy Dooley TD.”
“We will be telling the Minister that we want to see the new Task Force on fishing report published and implemented urgently. The last thing we need is for another report to sit on a shelf while our industry is literally fighting for its life.”
Representing fishers and fishing communities around Ireland’s coastline, the IFPO plays a leading role in advocating for the Irish fishing industry at national and European level. They work closely with other fishing sector groups through the Seafood Ireland Alliance (SIA) and are a member of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO). In the public sector, they also liaise closely with the Department of the Marine, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and the Marine Institute.
The AGM will bring together members from across the country to discuss key issues affecting the sector, including EU fisheries policy, Seafood Vision 2030, Nephrops stock management, offshore renewable energy developments, and priorities for the year ahead. Members will also have an opportunity to share views with India Kennedy, a recent appointment to the team who is based at the organisation’s new lobbying base in Brussels. Raising awareness of the sector’s importance to Ireland’s coastal communities at national and EU level is a key focus for the Board.
A keynote address will be delivered by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD. It’s expected he will give a progress update on fishing issues in the Programme for Government. The Minister will be accompanied by Marine Advisor Tom Tynan. A questions-and-answers session with the Minister will follow. IFPO Chief Executive Aodh O’Donnell said the meeting comes at a pivotal time for the fishing industry as it continues to navigate policy, sustainability, resilience and economic challenges while seeking opportunities for growth and development.
The meeting will commence at 12 noon with tea and coffee, followed by the AGM proceedings. The Minister’s address is scheduled for 2.00pm.
The IFPO was established with EU support as part of the structures needed to implement the Common Fisheries Policy. Formed in 1975, it is the longest-established fish producers’ organisation in the State, with national headquarters in Killybegs, and a new base in Brussels.