The International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD) will publish the inaugural edition of The Journal of Spatial Planning on the island of Ireland in Autumn 2010.  The Centre is currently seeking high quality research papers on issues of spatial planning and regional development to include in this forthcoming issue of the Journal.  The subject matter of articles can cover a number of areas, including: spatial planning policy and practice, balanced regional development, governance (reform), planning for energy (incl. renewables), retail, education, tourism, etc., the rural-urban interface, community development and cross-border cooperation, and evidence-informed planning.

Those interested in submitting a paper should forward a 300-word abstract to John Driscoll, Director at driscoll@iclrd.org by close of business on Friday, 26^th February 2010.  If approved, the deadline for submission of final papers is 1^st May 2010.  The Centre will pay £400 / €450 for an article of 4,000-5,000 words.

While articles can relate to the island of Ireland or overseas, all must have a spatial planning focus.

By considering both jurisdictions on the island and the potential synergies and efficiencies that can be realised through cooperation, we aim to provide a more rounded view than considering each jurisdiction in isolation.  We believe that good planning, following international best practice, can be a major part in the crafting of practical solutions to inter-jurisdictional and cross-border cooperation.

These short briefs will consider the key topics, challenges and opportunities for cooperation under discussion in Belfast and Dublin (and elsewhere) and explore the critical relationships between planning and the wider economy, the environment, energy, services, housing and infrastructure.

The first in the series of articles will be written by experts that bring an understanding of planning at work in both jurisdictions and explore how and why good planning on the island can make a positive difference to how the economy functions and recovers.

Good Planning Key to Future Success No 1 – November 2009

The paper by Rob Kitchin and Alastair Adair on Good Planning Key to Future Success argues that the opportunity for a long term, sustainable recovery is greatly increased through strategically aware and robust planning systems. This means, on the one hand reform of the planning systems and on the other the implementation of the NSS and RDS and investment in sectoral and spatial planning initiatives.

Linking Spatial Planning with Public Investment: Perspectives from the Island of Ireland – No 2 December 2009

The paper by David Counsell and Greg Lloyd on Linking Spatial Planning with Public Investment: Perspectives from the Island of Ireland explores the relationships between spatial planning and public investment on the island of Ireland, comparing the different approaches in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, identifying key challenges for the two governments and drawing lessons for the future.

The Conditions Necessary for Gateway Development & the Role of Smaller Gateways in Economic Development – No. 3 January 2010

The paper by Jim Walsh and Cormac Walsh on The Conditions Necessary for Gateway Development & the Role of Smaller Gateways in Economic Development reviews the conditions necessary for Gateway development and explores the role of the smaller Gateways in economic development. While this paper focuses on the National Spatial Strategy in the Republic of Ireland, the key factors contributing to regional competitiveness in smaller regional centres in Northern Ireland are similar.

ESPON and the EU Research Agenda – No. 4 February 2010

The paper by Cliff Hague and Brendan Bartley on ESPON – A New Practical European Research Agenda for Territorial and Development reviews the new ESPON programme, covering the period 2007-2013, in terms of its contribution to the emerging territorial cohesion agenda of the European Union.  The paper also provides a synopsis of the evolution of EU policy from spatial planning in the late 1990s to the current emphasis on territorial development and cohesion.

Please visit the website at http://www.bc.edu/irishinstitute for an application form and to find descriptions of each program. Applications for individual programs are typically posted 8-10 weeks in advance.

The programs include:

1. Positive Identity Politics
2. Environmental Policymaking
3. Education for Citizenship
4. Sustainable Civic Government
5. Political Journalism
6. Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability for Smaller Businesses
7. Women’s Health and Wellness

• Emyvale-Truagh-Aughnacloy (North Monaghan / South Tyrone border)
• Draperstown (Magherafelt District)
• Duhallow (Northwest Cork / East Kerry).

The report details the need for a focused approach to rural development that harnesses local assets and potentiality through joined up collaboration. It advocates for a ‘micro-region’ concept in rural development that moves from a strictly area-based approach within a single jurisdiction to an inter-locality model that (a) can operate across county or district administrative areas and the Border region and (b) recognises that micro-regions are part of, and contribute to, their wider region.

To receive a copy of this report, contact Eimear Donnelly, Events Coordinator at eimear.donnelly@qub.ac.uk or by telephoning (028) 375 11550 (048 from Republic). Alternatively, the pdf of this document – together with the supporting background working papers – will be available for download at end July 2009.

Devolution in Northern Ireland, the shifting of new responsibilities to local authorities, cross-border programmes that increase the role of local governments in developing and managing their cross-border programs all point the need for new capacity building programmes.

ICLRD training activities occur through two avenues: knowledge transfer through conferences and workshops and dedicated training programmes. Our research activities and expanded networks are providing case study materials, best practices, and operational linkages to EU cross-border programmes.

Starting in 2009 we plan begin holding training programmes for both councillors and officials drawn from both jurisdictions. There is also the possibility of targeting specific areas such as the Newry/Dundalk Twin City Region or the North West to build capacity around policies and activities in support these respective Initiatives.

Commencing in 2009 for three years, the new network (CroSPlaN) will undertake the following activities:

* Two action research projects per year that will enhance emerging cross-border activities and expertise in the vital area of spatial planning;
* One executive training programme per year for at least 30 central and local government officials, councillors and community leaders to assist them in both delivering and supporting these activities;
* An annual conference and technical workshop; the dual function of which is to facilitate networking and address identified areas of need.

The Conference Programme is available here.

ICLRD hosted a very successful and engaging conference on rural development strategies, Rural Restructuring: Local Sustainable Solutions to the Rural Challenge on Friday, 8 May at the Blackwater Learning Centre in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan.

There is growing recognition that rural areas – and their balanced development – are an important policy area in their own right; and that the current political climate facilitates the development of rural communities on a North, South and cross-border basis. The conference brought together 115 delegates and speakers from community and local development agencies, local government officials, businesses and business networks, practitioners, policy makers and academics for a one day event.

Conference Presentations

ICLRD Presentation
Rural Restructuring: Local Sustainable Solutions to the Rural Challenge – ICLRD Research Team

Keynote Address
Bucking the Trend – The ‘Local’ as Centres of  Rural Growth and Development – Roger Turner

Workshop 1: Rural Economic Diversification
Workspace – Adopting an Economic Model to Local Community Development – Brian Murray
Innovation and Business Clustering: A Case Study of the Irish Furniture Industry – Dr. Kevin Heanue

Workshop 2: Unleashing Local Potential by Building on a Rural Area’s Asset Base
Developing a Strategic Vision and Translating this into an Action Plan – Maura Walsh
Realising Asset-Based Development and Local Potentiality: The Petal Model – Geoff Brown

Workshop 3: The Impact of Government Policy on Rural Development
Planning for Rural Development – A New Emphasis – Zita Murphy
Learning from Experience: Mainstreaming Sustainable Development Practice – Declan Nelson

Workshop 4: Approaches to Rural Restrucutring
Nature and Sustainability in Rural Communities – Peter Carvill
The Role of Education in Rural Restructuring – Kate Clifford

Closing Address – Peter Quinn

The publication of the research report, Rural Restructuring: Local Sustainable Solutions to the Rural Challenge, is the culmination of a twelve-month research programme into sustainable rural development across the island of Ireland; with a particular focus on economic diversification, spatial planning and rural communities. Standing – left to right: Dr. Neale Blair, University of Ulster; Caroline Creamer, NIRSA, NUI Maynooth; John Driscoll, Director, ICLRD and Andy Pollak, Director, Centre for Cross Border Studies; Sitting – Left to right: Dr. Karen Keaveney, Queens University Belfast; Minister Michelle Gildernew; Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick The overall theme of this study was to consider the impact of economic re-structuring on rural areas together with the opportunities for diversification including micro-enterprise development, business clustering, joint marketing and branding. In the context of a changing policy environment and challenging economic times, the report considers the opportunities that can be made available by adopting a local asset-based approach to rural restructuring and diversification.

Working closely with a committee including representatives from the three case study areas of Draperstown, Emyvale-Truagh-Aughnacloy and Duhallow, the study team interviewed over 80 people and conducted a number of focus groups. In addition, the ICLRD hosted a very successful and engaging conference – attended by over 110 people – on rural development strategies, Rural Restructuring: Local Sustainable Solutions to the Rural Challenge, on Friday, 8 May at the Blackwater Learning Centre in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan. Those participating in the study noted that rural areas are well-positioned to adapt to changing demands even during an international recession given their traditional reliance on small-scale businesses.

This report, which was guided by a high-level independent Advisory Committee involving representatives from central and regional government on both sides of the Border, captures many of the features, successes and challenges associated with rural restructuring and territorial cooperation. It provides insights and recommendations on future local governance arrangements, the need for local responses to economic decline, and the opportunities for incorporating innovations and good practice into future partnerships. The report also emphasises the role of collaborative spatial planning in addressing the needs of both rural and urban communities which are increasingly inter-connected in a globalised economy. Specifically, the report recommends the establishment of a sub-regional civil society forum, the extension of business networks – using the Business Innovation Centre (BIC) model – across the island of Ireland, and the need for a strategic vision set within a top-down framework and delivered through partnership at local level.

Main Report (.pdf)

Dundalk, Co. Louth
27 February 2009 

The Report was launched by Conor Murphy, MP MLA, Minister for Regional Development in Northern Ireland, and John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of the Republic, at a special event at the Carrickdale Hotel, Ravensdale, Dundalk, Co Louth.

Published by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development, (ICLRD) the “Newry-Dundalk Twin City Region” Report brings together recent and current research on how to realise the benefits of cross-border collaboration in the Newry-Dundalk Sub Region through integrated planning and development strategies.

The Report, which was guided by a high level Steering Committee, chaired by InterTradeIreland with representatives from central and local government and business on both sides of the border, details how the Newry-Dundalk Twin City Region is well positioned to attract high quality jobs, improve the local environment, generate a wide range of public and commercial services, and promote a well managed environment for tourism and recreation.

The Steering Committee provided guidance to the study team which identified four key projects to be progressed within a wider sustainable development context. These include:

1. A Newry-Dundalk Centre of Excellence to create a sustainable energy community linked to the work of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and EU Concerto;
2. A proposed Newry-Dundalk Cross-Border International Services Zone linked to international financial and other services is proposed which will create additional skilled employment in the region;
3. The promotion of geo-tourism and the management of a shared landscape and natural heritage to promote and safeguard the geological assets and natural resources of the Mournes, Cooley, Slieve Gullion and Carlingford Lough Region; and
4. A further project to create and co-ordinate a regeneration strategy for both Newry and Dundalk thus promoting the distinctiveness of the two cities will also be developed.

The Report proposes that the two jurisdictions should continue their existing co-operation, particularly at central government level, by building on structures that have evolved during the study. A joint senior management group comprising the Local Authority County/ Manager and Chief Executive along with senior departmental heads has already been established to develop areas for co-operation in the future.

The Newry-Dundalk Twin City Concept first captured the imagination of politicians, academics, and senior officials in 2003 at an Ireland-Harvard Conference held in Newry City. The Newry-Dundalk Region has traditionally exhibited a long history of cross border co-operation between the local authorities of Newry and Mourne, Louth County and Dundalk Town Councils.

Councillor Colman Burns, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, joined his colleagues from Louth County Council and Dundalk Town Council in welcoming the launch of the Newry-Dundalk Report.

“Newry and Mourne Council has been committed to cross-border co-operation for many years. We were co-founders, along with Louth County Council, in the establishment of the East Border Region in 1976. We also have a long established joint committee of elected members from Dundalk Town Council and Newry and Mourne District Council who meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual concern and to promote greater co-operation between the communities on both sides of the border. Also at a local level through the Castleblayney-South Armagh Partnership we have supported a number of local tourism development projects. I very much welcome the Newry-Dundalk Twin City Report. This not only celebrates the co-operation already undertaken at the local level, but also sets out for us an agreed way forward that will help establish the Newry-Dundalk Twin City Region as a dynamo for growth and development on the island of Ireland”.

Newry and Mourne District Councils Chief Executive, Mr Thomas McCall, elaborated how the Newry-Dundalk Twin City Vision was first established at a local level and has been developed from the bottom up. Mr McCall said:

“The vision which was established by local politicians has taken hold in the minds of policy makers both in industry and in the public service. By stating our case for the future development of the Twin City Region, we have set out a series of key strategic projects, which are capable of delivery and which will help establish this region as an exemplar for cross-border development in the future”.

Aidan Gough, Director of Strategy at Intertrade Ireland who chaired the group said:

“In these troubled economic times, the Twin City Region Project sets out a route map to future prosperity based on cross-border co-operation, local leadership and central support. It is a prime example of actions locally to complete globally”.

The Report sets out the practical and mutual benefits of voluntary co-operation which will be reflected in pooling of expertise, sharing of good practice and efficiencies in enterprise development as well as the sustainable management of the region. The ICLRD research team undertook detailed research and conducted over 100 interviews with key public, business and civic leaders to identify key issues affecting the region.

A Twin City Region Advisory Group modelled on the Steering Committee and composed of representatives from the Newry and Mourne District, Louth County and Dundalk Town Councils along with representatives from the respective Chambers of Commerce and Central Government will be established, to oversee the implementation of the projects set out in the Report. The Advisory Group will also be supported by a number of joint technical teams under the stewardship of the Senior Management Group.

The initiative shown by the civic, public and business leadership in Newry and Dundalk to bring added benefits to each side of the border with a new regional perspective will provide a powerful example of how voluntary inter- jurisdictional co-operation can benefit other local governments across the island of Ireland.

The launch of the Newry-Dundalk Twin City Region Report also sets out a first in terms of sub-regional strategic planning on the Island of Ireland.

Village Design Statements are non-statutory, simple but effective design guidance documents which are prepared by, and aim to reflect the visions and desires of local people.  It is thought that fifteen counties in the Republic ofIreland have prepared Village Design Statements but, to date, no evaluation has been carried out on their effectiveness or usefulness.  The review now being commissioned by the Heritage Council, with the overall objective of examining the ways in which VDS projects have progressed and developed in Ireland and their adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance, will take place over the coming summer.

The Heritage Council has appointed the Countryside and Community Research Unit (CCRI), University of Gloucestershire and BDOR Limited to undertake the evaluation of VDSs in Ireland. It is envisaged that a final report will be submitted by the consultants in mid-September, with the findings to be presented at a conference on Village Design Statements in October 2008. Other members of the Steering Committee include: Niall Cussen, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Dara Larkin, South Dublin County Council; and Deirdre Burns, Wicklow County Council.