Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Department for Regional Development - Regional Development Strategy 2035 and Roads Service

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Published on Thursday 15 March, 2012

 Mr Kennedy (The Minister for Regional Development): I am pleased to inform Assembly members of the publication of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 on 15 March 2012.

As the spatial strategy of the Executive the RDS informs and supports the PfG, Budget decisions and the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland. It provides an overarching strategic planning framework to facilitate and guide both the public and private sectors.

The RDS 2035 addresses key challenges on rebuilding and rebalancing the economy, population growth, the location of jobs and houses, infrastructure provision, climate change and the protection of our natural and built environment.

The document and associated Impact Assessments are available on the Internet at www.drdni.gov.uk/RDS2035 and in the Assembly Library. However if any member would prefer a personal hard copy, it can be obtained by contacting Jackie King on (028) 90540669.

Please note the above statement is embargoed until 12:00 on Thursday 15 March 2012.

Roads Service

Published at 12:00 noon on  Thursday 15 March, 2012

Mr Kennedy (The Minister for Regional Development): In recent months, the relationship between Roads Service and the rest of my Department has been subject to review. As a result, I have agreed that Roads Service, in line with a number of other public sector organisations, will cease to be an Executive Agency within the Department from 1 April 2012.

Roads Service will retain its branding and continue to deliver the same services as before, but as a business area within the Department rather than as an agency. This is largely an administrative change and will have no impact on the daily work of the majority of staff.

Please note the above statement is embargoed until 12:00 on Thursday 15 March 2012.