Menu
16/03/2010
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 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 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 Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 April 2013
Call For Targeted Rates Reductions For Businesses
Deputy John Lyons has stated that there should be targeted rates reductions for businesses in town centres, and has welcomed Chambers Ireland's support for such a policy.
Call For Targeted Rates Reductions For Businesses
Deputy John Lyons has stated that there should be targeted rates reductions for businesses in town centres, and has welcomed Chambers Ireland's support for such a policy.
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.
24 August 2009
Engage In Planning, Poots Tells Retailers
Northern Ireland retailers have been urged to make their voices heard on planning issues. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots made his comments after first commending local businesses on their approach to achieving energy and water efficiency targets.
Engage In Planning, Poots Tells Retailers
Northern Ireland retailers have been urged to make their voices heard on planning issues. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots made his comments after first commending local businesses on their approach to achieving energy and water efficiency targets.
21 September 2001
Campbell announces major research on retailing
Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell has announced plans to carry out comprehensive research in relation to strategic planning considerations surrounding large-scale retail developments in Northern Ireland.
Campbell announces major research on retailing
Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell has announced plans to carry out comprehensive research in relation to strategic planning considerations surrounding large-scale retail developments in Northern Ireland.
29 July 2009
Rates Relief For SMEs Proposed
A scheme to reduce the rates burden for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Northern Ireland looks set to get the go-ahead. Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today confirmed his commitment to press ahead with a scheme for Northern Ireland, following a meeting with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
Rates Relief For SMEs Proposed
A scheme to reduce the rates burden for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Northern Ireland looks set to get the go-ahead. Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today confirmed his commitment to press ahead with a scheme for Northern Ireland, following a meeting with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
