Minister O’Dowd delivers keynote speech on ‘Planning for Climate Outcomes’ at the Royal Town Planning NI Conference 2022

Date published: 21 September 2022

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Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd gave the keynote speech today at the 2022 Royal Town Planning Institute NI (RTPI NI) Conference.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd had delivered the keynote speech on “Planning for Climate Outcomes’ at the Royal Town Planning NI Conference 2022 today

The Minister addressed attendees from across the planning profession and other stakeholders on how his Department is moving forward on the climate change agenda.

Speaking after the event, Minister O’Dowd said:

“I was delighted to address a wide spectrum of people at the 2022 RTPI NI Planning Conference today. I welcome the ongoing constructive engagement with the planning community and other stakeholders.

“I believe that only by working in collaboration, can we address climate challenges. We should strive to deliver for all in society moving forward and plan spaces and development which will encourage place shaping, connectivity and economic growth, but which will also be sustainable and deliver for future generations.

“I also wish to reaffirm my support for active and sustainable travel, particularly during this challenging cost of living crisis and climate change and the conference gave me a further opportunity to shine a light on the legislation, policy and practical initiatives my Department is taking forward across the North of Ireland.

“Moving forward, I reaffirmed my commitment to improve the planning system, working in partnership with local government and stakeholders to promote investment and economic recovery while ensuring we protect and respect the climate”.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd pictured with Mura Quigley, MRTPNI, RTPINI Chair as the 2022 conference gets underway today in the Europa Hotel, Belfast
Mura Quigley MRTPI, RTPI NI Chair said:

“RTPI NI was very pleased to have Minister O’Dowd open our annual planning conference and we hope this is a start of a relationship that supports the delivery of a strong planning service. The Minister has set out a positive position which is required to enable the delivery of climate outcomes for all to benefit from.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. The RTPI NI promotes planning as a profession and builds links with other built environment professions and organisations supporting dialogue on planning policy issues with public bodies, industry representatives and within the media. The RTPI NI has a membership of around 700 people, drawn from central and local government, private consultancies, developers, the education sector and other organisations working in the field of planning.
  1. The conference was held on 21 September 2022  in the Europa Hotel, Belfast. Further information on RTPINI is available at www.rtpi.org.uk/northernireland and on Twitter @RTPINI   
  2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.    
  3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
  4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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