Foreword

The Regional Development Strategy, which I am formulating today under the Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, represents the culmination of work that commenced in 1997. After four years of extensive, probably unprecedented, consultation including an independent Examination in Public, scrutiny by the Assembly Committees, and very close working across Departments, I am able to set out the strategic planning framework which will shape our future over the next 25 years.

I am pleased that there has been a high degree of consensus on many important issues and I am grateful to all those who have contributed at various stages of the consultative process.

The Strategy is critically important to the future development of Northern Ireland. It seeks to balance the needs of a resilient, outward looking, more dynamic economy whilst preserving and sustaining that essential quality of life which is cherished by all of us. Importantly, it provides a framework within which choices can be made on key decisions about the infrastructural development of Northern Ireland; for example, key decisions on the transportation network, which is so critical to improved accessibility and mobility, and dealing with the problems of social exclusion.

The approach which underscores the Strategy and permeates each key section is one of balanced sustainable development. I am committed to promoting a sustained urban renaissance in our cities and towns: a renaissance that includes getting the design and quality of the urban fabric right. It is about an approach which enables cities and towns to create and share increased prosperity. I also support strongly a concerted housing drive to renew and revitalise urban areas.

Equally, I attach great importance to the need to sustain a vibrant rural Northern Ireland, with a diversified rural economy, while respecting the rich inheritance of natural assets valued by residents and visitors alike. Our towns and villages in the countryside should have the opportunity to realise their full potential to create and share prosperity.

Wherever people live they want the same things. They want good quality jobs, a home which they can be proud of, reliable quality public services and an attractive and safe environment. People also want a say in shaping how their community will develop over time. That is why the long-term visioning process which has been started by many local councils, and supported by the Department for Regional Development, is so important. That work will assume greater importance as the Regional Development Strategy is implemented.

The Strategy paints an ambitious picture of what our region might look like in 25 years time. It sets out a demanding, though achievable, agenda. The next challenge is to make the Strategy a reality. If we are to improve the quality of life, and economic opportunity for all our citizens we need to harness our collective resources and effort right across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.

I am committed to realising the huge potential of the Regional Development Strategy for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.

GREGORY CAMPBELL MP MLA
Minister for Regional Development (July 2000 - October 2001)

20th September, 2001