SEAI Executive Leadership Team

Margie McCarthy is Director of Research and Policy Insights, with key responsibilities for analytical and research functions within SEAI including the development and delivery of energy data and insights to support policy decisions, and investment in innovative energy research which contribute to Ireland’s energy transition. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team of SEAI contributing to the development and implementation of organisational strategy and operationalising that strategy for optimal delivery of results. Margie is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. She joined SEAI from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), where she served as Head of Education and Public Engagement and as Interim Director of Science for Society.

Marion O’Brien is Director of Corporate Services within SEAI and a member of the Executive Leadership Team in SEAI. She is responsible for overseeing wide-ranging aspects of SEAI’s corporate services and governance functions. Prior to joining SEAI, Marion was Chief Governance & Strategy Officer and Group Company Secretary with Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). Marion is a Fellow of the Chartered Certified Accountants of Ireland, holds a BA from the University of Limerick, an MBS from Dublin City University and Diplomas in Corporate Governance and Strategy from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Marion is an external member of Dublin City University’s Audit Committee.

Declan Meally is Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport and a member of the Executive Leadership Team in SEAI. Declan joined SEAI in 2005 and has been involved in the successful delivery of many of the organisation’s programmes. Declan has served as Head of Department across a number of areas at SEAI including Industry, Marine/Ocean Energy, Smart Grid, Transport, Communities and more recently National Retrofit. He is a chartered mechanical engineer and has worked for over twenty years in management in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining SEAI, Declan worked in management in Xerox Europe Limited and Aer Rianta as well as the Defence Forces.

Ciaran Byrne is Director of National Retrofit and a member of the Executive Leadership Team in SEAI. Prior to the role he was CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, and also held a number of other senior roles in the Central Fisheries Board and Inland Fisheries Service. Ciaran is a qualified management accountant, is a Chartered Director, and was admitted into the Institute of Directors in 2017, and he has just completed a master’s degree in business studies. Ciaran has degree and Ph.D. in science from Trinity College and has authored several peer reviewed scientific publications.