To ask the Minister for Regional Development how the progress of RG6 Strengthen Community Cohesion, under the Regional Development Strategy, is monitored

The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 is a long term strategic document whose purpose is to deliver the spatial aspects of the Programme for Government. It complements the Sustainable Development Strategy and informs the spatial aspects of the strategies of all Government Departments. The Strategy is not limited to land use but recognises that policies for physical development have far reaching implications. The RDS therefore seeks to addresses economic, social and environmental issues aimed at achieving sustainable development and social cohesion.

The purpose of the RDS is to provide an overarching strategic planning framework to facilitate and guide the public and private sectors, it does not redefine other Departments’ strategies but compliments them with a spatial perspective.

Many of the policies can only be implemented through individual departments and their strategies. Now that the RDS 2035 has been published my officials are working with a range of other bodies to develop appropriate indicators to monitor the strategy and ensure that government departments take account of the RDS 2035.

Due to the cross-cutting nature of the RDS 2035 a number of stakeholders will be involved in delivery. As a result measuring progress on the implementation of the strategy may therefore have to rely on monitoring carried out by individual departments.

Community cohesion within the RDS 2035 relates to three elements – (1) Developing integrated services and facilities, (2) fostering a stronger community spirit and sense of place, and (3) encouraging mixed housing development. Once appropriate indicators are agreed we will work with our partner departments and other stakeholders to assess the impact of the RDS 2035.