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 4 December 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."

4 December 2001