Regeneration
Much of Northern Ireland has been enjoying a remarkable renaissance for more than a decade. The region was previously a mixture of industrial urban environments and rural settings generated by industries and businesses in decline. In the past, a physical infrastructure that was divisive to communities and unattractive to businesses existed.
New energy is pumping through Northern Ireland as government, community and private sector bodies inject new ideas into tackling social, economic and physical regeneration and redressing disadvantage in cities, towns and villages. As well as addressing the physical infrastructure, at the heart of this work is the goal to make real improvements in people’s lives and to provide economic opportunities.
By the numbers
A draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland was recently published for consultation. It takes a strategic view of investment needs over a time span of 10 years. The $30 billion programme identified represents an increase of over 60% in average annual investment levels as compared with the past three years. Details of the precise level of investment will be set out as part of the annual budgetary planning cycle in three year tranches but will include:-
- $6 billion accelerated programme of investment in refurbishment, up-grading and renewal of schools
- $4 billion to improve health and social services infrastructure to radically transform access to health and social care services
- almost $4 billion water and waste-water treatment facilities
- investment of almost $3 billion in roads
- sustained investment in social housing.
Other iniatives include:
- New direct air route from Belfast – Newark
- Regeneration of former military sites.
The Strategic Investment Board
The Strategic Investment Board is a company which is wholly owned and funded by the government. It was set up to develop a longer term investment strategy and to help deliver projects on the ground by providing specialist expertise in a range of areas including finance, legal, project management and other commercial skills not normally found in the public sector. In carrying out its functions it works closely with government departments and is also playing a key role in involving the private sector in the development of major capital investment projects.
The Reinvestment and Reform Initiative
The Reinvestment and Reform Initiative was designed by government to develop infrastructure and modernize key services such as water, health, transport and education.
Neighborhood Renewal
Neighborhood Renewal – a government program that makes funding available for areas identified as suffering from the most serious deprivation. It aims to coordinate public services to boost economic activity, improve social and environmental conditions and develop confident communities that are committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
Co-operation for mutual benefit
Many cities and regions in the United States are also undergoing regeneration programs. We know from our own experience to date that Northern Ireland can learn from the US and hopefully you can benefit from our knowledge.