The Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO) has appointed Donegal woman, India Kennedy as Executive Assistant to the CEO. Ms Kennedy will be based primarily in Brussels but will support the Killybegs-based organisation’s work in Ireland and across EU institutions.
Founded in 1975, the IFPO is Ireland’s longest-established fish producers’ organisation. It represents commercial sea-fishing vessel owners across the Pelagic, Whitefish, Shellfish and Inshore sectors.
Originally from Donegal Town, Ms Kennedy studied Politics and International Relations at Ulster University. Her dissertation examined the impact of EU fisheries policy on Killybegs’ coastal fishing community. The research developed her strong interest in the Irish fishing industry and fisheries policy.
Ms Kennedy recently completed an internship in the European Parliament with MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. She worked as Fisheries Advisor and Personal Assistant during her time in Brussels.
The role involved fisheries policy research, stakeholder engagement, communications and parliamentary administration. In her new role, Ms Kennedy will support the Chief Executive and Chairperson across administration, policy research, and stakeholder engagement activities. She will also assist with scheduling, travel coordination, PR activity and social media delivery.
Welcoming the appointment, IFPO Chief Executive Aodh O’Donnell said India would make a positive contribution to the IFPO team and its work. “We have worked with India over the past year in our regular engagement with Parliamentarians. Her Brussels experience and fisheries policy knowledge will greatly benefit our organisation and members.”
Ms Kennedy takes up her new role this week and said she was “delighted to join the IFPO team and continue supporting the Irish fishing industry. I look forward to advocating for the sector at home and in Brussels.”
The IFPO represents fishers based around Ireland’s coastline. The organisation works closely with counterpart organisations in Ireland under the Seafood Ireland Alliance umbrella (SIA) The IFPO is also a member of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) and maintains active engagement with EU institutions on fisheries policy and sectoral development.
Over the past four years, IFPO chief executive Aodh O Donnell has become a strong voice for the fishing sector both in Ireland and across Europe. Alongside other sector leaders, he helped establish the Seafood Ireland Alliance, which brings five fishing and processing bodies together to lobby for fairer treatment of the Irish fishing industry at home and at EU level.