GALLERY: Governor of the Central Bank visits Leitrim

Chris Gonley, CEO Leitrim Development Company, presented with George Bernard Shaw commemorative coin by Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland.

Leitrim Development Company welcomed Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, together with members of the Bank’s Executive Leadership Team, to Drumshanbo for a special visit under the Bank’s Regional Engagement and Outreach Programme. Development Company welcomed Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, together with members of the Bank’s Executive Leadership Team, to Drumshanbo for a special visit under the Bank’s Regional Engagement and Outreach Programme.

The visit formed part of the Central Bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening engagement with communities and organisations across Ireland, ensuring that regional voices inform national economic understanding and policy development. During his time in Drumshanbo, Governor Makhlouf met with staff of Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim PPN and representatives from a broad range of community groups and social enterprises operating across County Leitrim. Participants shared insights into the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, including economic development, access to services, social inclusion, financial resilience, and the sustainability of community-led initiatives.

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The discussions were open and constructive, with Governor Makhlouf taking time to listen carefully to the lived experiences and perspectives of those present. His willingness to engage directly with grassroots organisations was warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

Speaking following the visit, Chris Gonley, CEO of Leitrim Development Company, said: “We were delighted to welcome Governor Makhlouf and his colleagues to Drumshanbo as part of the Central Bank’s Regional Engagement and Outreach Programme. It is vitally important that national institutions take the time to hear directly from rural communities about both the opportunities and the real challenges they face.

Today’s discussions highlighted the strength, resilience and innovation that exist across County Leitrim, while also underlining the need for continued understanding of the unique context in which rural communities, and rural and social enterprise, operate. We greatly appreciate the Governor’s openness and genuine engagement, and the opportunity to ensure that the voices of our rural communities are heard at the highest levels.”

Leitrim Development Company extends its sincere thanks to Governor Makhlouf and the Executive Leadership Team of the Central Bank of Ireland for their time and engagement, to Leitrim PPN, and to the many community representatives who contributed thoughtfully to the discussions. The visit marked an important step in strengthening connections between national institutions and local communities, ensuring that the perspectives of rural Ireland continue to inform national dialogue.