One of the key commitments in the WDC’s strategy is to bring people together, connect ideas and help align national decision makers with what is happening on the ground across our region. With that in mind, it was a real pleasure to recently welcome the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Gabriel Makhlouf to Sligo for a focused visit with partners from the AIM Centre (Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing), Atlantic Technological University and a number of innovative indigenous businesses.
The visit included a tour of the AIM Centre, showcasing the National AI Studio for Manufacturing, the Connected Hubs co-working spaces, and the wider team based on site. It provided a strong, practical demonstration of how collaboration and shared infrastructure are supporting digital excellence and helping SMEs de-risk innovation through a test-before-invest model.
WDC CEO Allan Mulrooney hosted a small evening dinner event, bringing together senior leaders from AIM, ATU, White Hag Brewery, Slick+, Hawksrock Distillery and others. It created space for an open and grounded conversation on the realities facing businesses in the North West and the opportunities ahead. Discussions on the night centred on the importance of community lending, the need to continue supporting indigenous innovation, infrastructure challenges across the region, and the critical role ATU now plays as a driver of talent, research and regional growth. There was a strong sense that places like the AIM Centre are becoming national assets in strengthening resilience and productivity.
A sincere thank you to the Governor and his team for taking the time to visit the region and for the genuine interest shown in how the West and North West are contributing to Ireland’s future economy. These visits help ensure regional voices are heard, highlight the scale of ambition that exists locally, and reinforce the value of bringing the right people together to connect the dots and turn potential into progress.
