Menu
15/03/2010
NIIRTA Seek 'Planning Department'
There has been a call for a radical overhaul of the Stormont Executive, including the setting up of a department with responsibility for planning, town centre regeneration and transport.
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) proposals come in a detailed policy document, 'Programme for Prosperity', which has been launched to coincide with the organisation's 10th anniversary and contains over 70 recommendations for all 12 government departments.
This is the first time any local business organisation has produced comprehensive policy priorities for all 12 departments and was launched today at an event to celebrate the anniversary at Parliament Buildings.
NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson hosted the event at which the organisation also called for the publication of draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 5, and action to reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy options for retailers.
NIIRTA Chief Executive and author of the report, Glyn Roberts (pictured) said that the launch of the policy document, which has proposals for each of the Northern Ireland government departments, is recognition that the system of government here is too cumbersome and complex to really tackle the issues facing Northern Ireland today.
"Over the past ten years NIIRTA has given leadership to our local independent retail sector and called for a level playing field in relation to retail planning policy and for the need to protect and enhance our town centres," he said.
"We recognise that having devolution has been good for Northern Ireland and good for our economy. However it could be even better."
(NS/BMcC)
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) proposals come in a detailed policy document, 'Programme for Prosperity', which has been launched to coincide with the organisation's 10th anniversary and contains over 70 recommendations for all 12 government departments.
This is the first time any local business organisation has produced comprehensive policy priorities for all 12 departments and was launched today at an event to celebrate the anniversary at Parliament Buildings.
NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson hosted the event at which the organisation also called for the publication of draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 5, and action to reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy options for retailers.
NIIRTA Chief Executive and author of the report, Glyn Roberts (pictured) said that the launch of the policy document, which has proposals for each of the Northern Ireland government departments, is recognition that the system of government here is too cumbersome and complex to really tackle the issues facing Northern Ireland today.
"Over the past ten years NIIRTA has given leadership to our local independent retail sector and called for a level playing field in relation to retail planning policy and for the need to protect and enhance our town centres," he said.
"We recognise that having devolution has been good for Northern Ireland and good for our economy. However it could be even better."
(NS/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 February 2014
NI Planning To Adopt 'Town Centres First' Policy
The Department of the Environment has said Northern Ireland's planning system could be reformed to adopt a "town centres first" policy. Environment Minister Mark Durkan has announced a 12-week public consultation on issues such as building in the countryside, tourism, transport, telecommunications and housing.
NI Planning To Adopt 'Town Centres First' Policy
The Department of the Environment has said Northern Ireland's planning system could be reformed to adopt a "town centres first" policy. Environment Minister Mark Durkan has announced a 12-week public consultation on issues such as building in the countryside, tourism, transport, telecommunications and housing.
07 October 2011
New Planning Policy Proposed
A new lease of life has been proposed for an existing retail planning policy. Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced that he intends to place the draft PPS5 planning policy before next week’s meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive, seeking its formal adoption.
New Planning Policy Proposed
A new lease of life has been proposed for an existing retail planning policy. Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced that he intends to place the draft PPS5 planning policy before next week’s meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive, seeking its formal adoption.
24 September 2008
Training Takes To The Road
A new mobile unit aimed at bringing retail training direct to employees throughout Northern Ireland has been launched by NI Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey (pictured).
Training Takes To The Road
A new mobile unit aimed at bringing retail training direct to employees throughout Northern Ireland has been launched by NI Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey (pictured).
05 May 2011
Residents Alarmed Over City Runway Plans
East Belfast residents have expressed alarm at a draft planning policy document which they said could pave the way for George Best Belfast City Airport to be permitted its long-sought runway extension.
Residents Alarmed Over City Runway Plans
East Belfast residents have expressed alarm at a draft planning policy document which they said could pave the way for George Best Belfast City Airport to be permitted its long-sought runway extension.
19 September 2013
Pubs Of Ulster And NIIRTA Meet With Richard Haass
The Chief Executives of Pubs of Ulster and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association met with Dr Richard Haass and Professor Meghan O'Sullivan today.
Pubs Of Ulster And NIIRTA Meet With Richard Haass
The Chief Executives of Pubs of Ulster and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association met with Dr Richard Haass and Professor Meghan O'Sullivan today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
