Paschal Hayes
Executive Chairperson, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority

Mr Paschal Hayes was appointed as Executive Chairperson of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority on 14 January 2022. The Executive Chair of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) will lead and guide the SFPA organisation over the coming years and will be responsible for securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries and food safety law; promoting compliance while detecting and deterring contraventions.

Paschal has most recently worked as Principal Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and led the Irish Managing Authority for the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF). In this role he facilitated the sustainable development of the Irish seafood sector through delivery of Ireland’s European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme and management of sustainable inshore fisheries in compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy and environmental law. He also led the successful multiannual project to remediate Haulbowline Island. Previously he was Registrar General for Sea-fishing Boats and had responsibility for management and development of the six-state owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl. Paschal holds a BSc and a Diploma in Information Technology from Dublin City University and a MComm in Government and Public Policy from University College Cork.