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Northern Ireland
Assembly

Monday 14 February 2011

Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received  at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Regional Development

Spatial Planning: Joint Consultation on a Draft Spatial Strategies on the Island of Ireland — Framework for Collaboration Document

Published at 10:00 on  Monday 14 February 2011

The Minister for Regional Development  (Mr Murphy): I am pleased to inform the Assembly members that consultation on a draft Spatial Strategies on the Island of Ireland – Framework for Collaboration document will commence on Tuesday 15 February for 8 weeks until Monday 11 April. This consultation will be done jointly with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the South.

The document examines the key planning challenges faced by both parts of the Island and discusses the potential for collaboration in spatial planning. It sets out a framework for collaboration at different levels within the public sector which should result in mutual benefits. These benefits can be at the local border area level and at the larger Island level.

The Framework is a non-statutory approach to providing advice and guidance at relevant spatial or geographical scales. It should encourage policy makers in the public sector to take account of the wider impact of their work, to recognise and exploit opportunities for a wider perspective and to avoid “back to back” planning.

Cross-border co-operation and collaboration provide opportunities to boost the economic performance and competitiveness across the Island and more can be achieved through collaboration than competition.

Co-operation, or collaboration, between regions for territorial development is accepted as good practice within the European Union and is promoted in the European Spatial Development Perspective, and the EU Territorial Agenda.

I welcome your contribution to the consultation process. The consultation document will be available on the internet from 15 February 2011 at www.drdni.gov.uk/shapingourfuture/. However, if any member would prefer a personal hard copy, it can be obtained by contacting Louise Fitzpatrick on 90540642

Please note the above statement is embargoed until 10.00 am on Monday 14 February.

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