03/09/2014

Councillor Training Begins Ahead Of Planning Transfer

The Department of the Environment has begun councillor training ahead of the transfer of planning functions from central government.

Planning will transfer to local councils in April 2015.

The training events are due to be rolled out across Northern Ireland from early September 2014 to late January 2015. Each session will be delivered in council venues in six locations and will cover an overview of Planning for councillors; development plans and working with the community; practical Planning and propriety and outcomes.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "These training events will help ensure that decision makers have the confidence, as well as the competence, to make prompt, sound planning decisions from day one.

"They are a result of ongoing significant efforts to ensure that councillors, council staff and planning staff receive the necessary training to ensure that those with responsibility for delivering the new system have the capacity to make it the best it can be.

"The reform of local government will ultimately deliver local councils which are more effective, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of their local businesses and community."

(IT/CD)

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