Minister says city should foster cross-border links

Mr Kennedy MLA recently published his 25 year Regional Development Strategy. The report recommends that the relationship between towns and cities such as Londonderry, Strabane and potentially, Letterkenny, should be given consideration for economic policy.

The report states: “When new development is being considered, the relationship and benefits between towns/cities in the clusters should be taken into account. The Hub and the higher performing town/city in the cluster should be considered first in the decision process.”

An explanation of where Londonderry falls within these hubs is provided in the 25 year plan: “The 2001 Regional Development Strategy identified 16 main Hubs and five Local Hubs. It is considered appropriate to continue with this designation of Main Hubs and Local Hubs.

“Strabane has the potential to cluster with Londonderry as part of a North West region which stretches cross border to Letterkenny.”

Limavady is also mentioned among the ‘hubs’ most likely to cluster, with Coleraine, Ballymoney and Ballycastle the towns recommended for increased co-operation.

In a section examining this ‘cluster’, the report states: “The cluster is reasonably well connected with journey times between centres ranging from 20 minutes to just under an hour.”

It adds: “Limavady has a population of over 12,500 and with thirteen areas of special environmental designation in its hinterland tourism is increasingly important. Culture and Arts play an important part in the town’s life, and its new Arts and Cultural Centre is both a physical and cultural regenerator for Limavady.”

Another cross-border hub which should be encouraged is Newry and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland and Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland, according to the Minister for Regional Development.

The UUP man believes that population growth should be encouraged within these hubs, rather than in areas which are poorly connected, such as smaller settlements in rural areas: “While official forecasts are for the population of Northern Ireland to grow by 10 per cent by 2023, this will vary across the Region.

“The evidence is that over the last 10 years there has been a disproportionate amount of growth in smaller settlements.

“If this pattern were to continue, it could affect the role of larger settlements and be contrary to the objectives of the Strategy for strong growth in larger urban areas.”

In order to encourage population growth in these areas, the Stormont Executive should provide additional housing in the ‘hubs’ and ‘clusters’ throughout Northern Ireland.

Mr Kennedy states: “Key to population growth and the associated regeneration of urban centres is the provision of additional housing. This will require sensitive design, including mixed use schemes and integration with green-space, to ensure that they link into the existing urban fabric.”