Crónán O’Donnell has set out an agenda to expand the Irish Marine Federation (IMF) and strengthen its national influence.
The newly elected chairman says growth, wider representation and stronger cross-sector links will be central to his tenure.
O’Donnell also signalled a push to broaden participation at board level and encouraged members to get involved in shaping the federation.
A series of regional networking events is planned following recent meetings in Dún Laoghaire and Athlone.
“These will provide valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate and share ideas,” he said.
He added that he intends to meet members nationwide and expand training programmes in response to industry demand.
Alongside internal growth, the IMF is seeking closer links with Ireland’s wider maritime sectors, particularly fisheries.
Board members have identified limited engagement between sectors and want stronger cooperation between leisure, commercial and fishing interests.
The federation believes a more coordinated approach could improve representation and help secure a stronger marine voice at Cabinet level.
As part of that strategy, a future board meeting in Killybegs, County Donegal, is under consideration to engage directly with fishing representatives.
This could include contact with organisations aligned under the Seafood Ireland Alliance, which brings together groups such as the Irish Fish Producers Organisation and Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation.
The alliance was formed in response to pressures including post-Brexit quota reductions, rising fuel costs and regulatory challenges.
“We’re all facing similar challenges, and by working together we can navigate them more effectively,” O’Donnell said.
As Afloat reported previously, O’Donnell was elected chairman at a board meeting during the Düsseldorf Boat Show.
He succeeds Gerry Salmon, whose two-year term concluded at the meeting.
Tributes were paid to Salmon for his role in restarting and stabilising the federation.
O’Donnell, general manager of POD Marine in Dún Laoghaire, said he aims to build on that progress.
“I hope to build on the momentum with everyone’s help and really establish the federation,” he said.
The IMF represents Ireland’s marine leisure and boating industry across manufacturing, sales and services, and is seeking to position itself as a broader voice for the marine sector.
