4 December 2001

DRD MINISTER LAUNCHES REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, MP, MLA, today formally launched the Regional Development Strategy, at a ceremony in Parliament Buildings.

‘Shaping our Future - the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025,’ is designed to meet the needs of the fastest growing region in the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Robinson said: "The Regional Development Strategy is a clear and exciting plan for the future of Northern Ireland. It presents a framework and principles for our development in the coming 25 years and beyond. It represents our best effort to define what Northern Ireland can and should be in the future."

The Minister applauded the overwhelming support that the RDS received when it was debated on the floor of the Assembly in the early autumn.

He said: "I believe that the Strategy is the better for that positive engagement. I also believe that the Assembly has a quite unique ownership of the Strategy.

"The challenge for all of us, is to turn the potential of the RDS into the positive actions that will bring about the change that will enhance Northern Ireland, economically and socially."

In order for the Strategy to be delivered effectively, Mr Robinson said it was necessary to strengthen the relationship between the RDS and the various exercises which were currently underway at district council level, including local strategies, the visioning processes and the work of the local strategy partnerships.

He said: "The Strategy must have real influence on the shaping of future policies. It must bring greater coherence to the delivery of programmes and services at the local, sub-regional and regional levels. Public policy alone will not achieve these objectives. It also comes down to the decisions of private sector investors and individual choices."

The Minister concluded that the Strategy represents a vision and belief in our collective ability to plan and develop a vibrant regional economy.

He said: "Our children and grandchildren must live with the consequences of our planning decisions. We are the trustees for their lifetime ahead. Let us ensure that we make every effort to plan wisely."

For further information contact Eamon Deeny at the DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The event was attended by Assembly Members, Chairpersons, Mayors and Chief Executives of local district councils, government officials, academics, and representatives of the business, community and voluntary sectors.
2. "Shaping our Future – the Regional development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025" was formulated on 20 September 2001 after obtaining the Agreement of the Assembly at a debate on the 17 September 2001.
3. It is a strategy to guide the future development of Northern Ireland to 2025 and help meet the needs of a fast growing region with a population reaching two million. Its vision, reached after an unprecedented public participation exercise, is to create an outward-looking, dynamic and liveable region and to sustain a high quality of life for all.
4. The pivotal part of the RDS is the Spatial Development Strategy, which is a hub, corridor and gateway framework for regional development. It is designed to promote balanced and integrated growth across the network of cities, main and small towns, and their rural hinterlands, to enhance equality of opportunity, and offer the locational choice to meet the wider variety of needs in a divided society.
5. The RDS provides a strategic focus that will guide future development in order to promote a balanced and equitable pattern of sustainable development across Northern Ireland.
6. The RDS has attracted critical acclaim. It has been short listed as a finalist for the Royal Town Planning Institute "Annual Awards for Planning Achievement 2001". The Awards were established in 1977 to throw a public spotlight on the positive achievements of the planning profession. The Awards, together with the Silver Jubilee Cup for the overall winner, will be presented at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 30 January 2002.
7. The document, and information about progress on implementation of the RDS, can be read on the DRD web site at www.drdni.gov.uk/shapingourfuture
8. Copies of the RDS (£25.00) can be purchased from:

   Publications Orderline
   Corporate Document Services
   The Studios,
   89 Holywood Road
   Belfast
   BT4 3BD
   Telephone 0845 1200386
   E-Mail orderline@corpdocs.co.uk

   Or order online: www.corpdocs.co.uk

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