Central Bank meets with representatives from Mayo businesses

Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Gabriel Makhlouf and Director General of Financial Conduct Derville Rowland met with Mayo business owners today during two webinar events as part of the Central Bank’s outreach programme.

The webinars were attended by representatives from local businesses from Castlebar and Westport Chambers of Commerce. They provided a valuable opportunity for Governor  Makhlouf and Ms Rowland, who is herself a native of Castlebar, to engage with local business owners and gain a deeper awareness of the issues faced by Mayo businesses, answer questions, and build understanding of the work of the Central Bank.

Commenting after the meetings, Governor Makhlouf said “I enjoyed listening to so many local business people in Castlebar and Westport today. They highlighted issues of significance for Mayo businesses, such as supports for businesses during the pandemic, including grants and loans, accessing banking services, as well as identifying ways to develop the economy in Mayo and the West. This shows the importance of our outreach events, which give us an opportunity to meet people from all over Ireland and listen to the issues that are important to them and their communities.”

He continued, “The Central Bank is committed to actively engaging with local communities and learning more about how our work affects their lives and businesses. These meetings are invaluable to us in the Central Bank as the unique perspectives offered by regional communities inform our work and allow us to gain insights into the real economy all around Ireland. My thanks to everyone who took the time to meet us today and to share their experiences.”

During 2020, the Central Bank’s outreach programme has included a series of webinars with representatives from Dublin, Cork and Galway Chambers and Commerce as well as visits to Tralee and Killorglin, Co. Kerry earlier in the year.