Invitation to Consultation

HOW WILL THE REGIONAL STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK BE PREPARED?

Ultimately the Regional Strategic Framework is for all of the people of Northern Ireland and will involve decisions which will affect the community to the year 2025 and beyond. It is important that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the process of preparing the Strategy. Every effort therefore, will be made to fully engage all sections of the community. This will be a community driven process. This will be achieved by consultation at all the main stages, whereby comment and discussion by elected representatives, interest groups and individuals will be fully encouraged.

To ensure that the Regional Strategic Framework is innovative, forward looking and appropriate to the strengths and assets of the Region, a panel of advisers, local and international, has been set up to provide the best possible advice on the development dynamics of strategic regional planning.

The Strategy has implications for a range of Government functions within the Region. The progress will, therefore, be guided by an Inter-Departmental Steering Group with wide representation from Government in Northern Ireland.

A Project Team has been established within the Department of the Environment. This team will facilitate the preparation of the Regional Strategic Framework. They will be assisted as necessary for some tasks by external advisers with specialised technical expertise.