Press Releases
23 June 1997
'SHAPING OUR FUTURE' LAUNCHED BY ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
A 'Shaping Our Future' process aimed at developing a major
strategy for the development of Northern Ireland up to 2025
was launched today in Armagh.
Environment Minister Lord Dubs stressed the importance the
Government was attaching to the consultative process, which
takes account of economic, social, Environmental and community
problems.
He launched the 16-page document entitled 'Shaping Our Future'
before an audience comprising members of the public and representatives
of the community, farming, environment and business sectors.
The key issues featured in the document include:
- Where we locate the 200,000 new houses needed up to the
year 2025?
- Where will new employment be located over the next 25
years?
- How will essential services for new development be provided?
- How will people travel?
- How do we preserve and conserve the quality of our natural
and built environment?
- How can we meet development needs in a way which is sustainable?
- How do we ensure greater progress towards building sustainable
communities and reducing the social and economic differentials?
- How do we achieve a coherent and integrated approach
to development pressures, rather than responding to immediate
problems and making piecemeal decision?
Lord Dubs said: "This process should involve the widest
possible consultation with all those who want to be involved.
That includes elected representatives, business organisations,
the farming community, the trade unions, professional bodies,
environmental groups, the voluntary sector and the individual
concerned citizen."
The Minister set out the challenges facing Northern Ireland
and said. "Our task is to devise a coherent integrated
and sustainable strategy for the development of the region
well into the 21st century.
"We can get it right if we succeed in involving people
in creating a common vision of regional co-operation for growth
and opportunity for all."
In a foreword to the document, the Secretary of State, Dr
Mo Mowlam MP described the consultation process as "symbolic
of a new era for the people of Northern Ireland and a unique
opportunity to foster agreed values, aspirations and goals."
Following six months of intensive consultation a suggested
Regional Strategic Framework will be published by the Spring
of 1998 followed by an opportunity for everyone to comment
further before a final strategy will be produced by the end
of 1998.
A specialist team has been created in the Department of Environment
to lead the process while Sir George Quigley will chair a
Panel of Experts of national and international standing to
quality control the whole exercise.
Sir George said: "I welcome the launch of the Regional
Strategic Framework. It offers the opportunity for all in
the community to share in the benefits of a co-ordinated long
term framework for the future development of the Region. I
believe we need a holistic, integrated approach if we are
to compete with other regions in Europe and beyond."
The event was also addressed by four Armagh sixth form students
- Tracy Humphries, Cathy Kelly, Sarah Williamson and Conor
Belton - who spoke of their aspirations and expectations at
the launch event
The consultation document 'Shaping Our Future' is now widely
available throughout Northern Ireland or may be obtained direct
from DOE Regional Planning Division, Clarence Court, 10-18
Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB.
Comments are welcome and should be addressed to: The Secretary,
Department of the Environment, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide
Street, Belfast BT2 8GB to arrive no later than 31st December
1997.
Notes for Editors
The Panel of Experts, chaired by Sir George Quigley, will
include Professor John Darby (University of Ulster), Professor
Alan Artibise (University of British Columbia) and Paul Schell,
Commissioner of the Port of Seattle.
The students who spoke at the event were:
- Conor Belton, St. Patricks Grammar School , Armagh;
- Sarah Williamson, Royal School Armagh;
- Cathy Kelly, St. Catherine's College, Armagh;
- Tracy Humphries, City of Armagh High School.
Copies of 'Shaping Our Future' may be obtained from the Department
of the Environment, Clarence Court, Adelaide Street, Belfast
or from Divisional Planning Offices. Copies have also been
placed in local libraries, at District Council offices and
on the internet:-
 http://www.doeni.gov.uk/core.htm
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