Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed the publication of the 25 year Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland by the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy. The strategy will steer regional development in Northern Ireland up to the year 2035.
“This is excellent news for the Town and Borough of Larne in these difficult times. I was extremely concerned last year with the apparent downgrading of Larne, and being left out on a limb in terms of connection to the rest of the network” he said.
“At a Council meeting in September with the Minister, I raised my concerns with the proposed changes given that Larne is a vital gateway between Northern Ireland and Scotland. I, along with my colleagues in the UUP, urged the Minister to look again at the Review and Larne’s key position within the Regional Development Strategy.”
The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) document is the result of extensive public consultation, and stakeholder engagement with local government, business, academia, environmental and community groups.
The RDS addresses key issues including government approach to balanced regional growth, sustainable communities and the challenge of tackling climate change.
Speaking at the launch in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast Danny Kennedy said: “The Regional Development Strategy, provides an overarching strategic planning framework to facilitate and guide the public and private sectors. It drives to deliver a cohesive cross Departmental strategic approach to regional development.
“The strategy is a key document within the planning system and sets out guidance for the preparation of development plans and policy, helping drive urban regeneration initiatives and sits within the new European policy approach to regional redevelopment. We have many challenges ahead, but working together as key stakeholders I am confident that we can rise to those challenges and work in partnership to deliver this Strategy.”
Speaking about the consultation process, Cllr McKinty was pleased that concerns from Larne had been addressed. “The proposal from the previous Minister Conor Murphy would have seen Larne lose its sub-regional centre status, whilst places like Downpatrick and Newtownards would be given more importance. This was nonsensical – we have Northern Ireland’s second largest Port, with connections to the rest of the Province, the A8 road scheme is soon to begin, and Larne is the gateway to the Glens”.
Speaking at the launch in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast Danny Kennedy said: “The Regional Development Strategy, provides an overarching strategic planning framework to facilitate and guide the public and private sectors. It drives to deliver a cohesive cross Departmental strategic approach to regional development.
“The strategy is a key document within the planning system and sets out guidance for the preparation of development plans and policy, helping drive urban regeneration initiatives and sits within the new European policy approach to regional redevelopment. We have many challenges ahead, but working together as key stakeholders I am confident that we can rise to those challenges and work in partnership to deliver this Strategy.”
Speaking about the consultation process, Cllr McKinty was pleased that concerns from Larne had been addressed. “The proposal from the previous Minister Conor Murphy would have seen Larne lose its sub-regional centre status, whilst places like Downpatrick and Newtownards would be given more importance. This was nonsensical – we have Northern Ireland’s second largest Port, with connections to the rest of the Province, the A8 road scheme is soon to begin, and Larne is the gateway to the Glens”.
“Thanks to lobbying and discussion with the Department, Larne will now be classed as a gateway and a main hub. Visibly ‘out on a limb’ in the initial proposal, Larne will now be clustered with Antrim and Ballymena to promote economic growth.”
“It was of utmost importance for the people of Larne that our geographical and economic importance be recognised, and I am delighted that the RDS now provides the framework for future growth and development which will benefit the Borough of Larne”.
(The full text of the Regional Development Strategy is available at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/RDS2035 )
