Transition Community Planning Partnership Community Planning Workshop.
Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography
IT was a busy week in the Community Planning calendar with the latest phase of both local and strategic planning events taking place right across the district involving hundreds of local people as well as statutory partners.
The third round of Local Community Planning Workshops saw a great turnout last week as Derry City and Strabane District Council sought views on a range of proposed actions and objectives identified through a series of engagement events which have taken place over the past 14 months.
The workshops have been taking place in all the District Electoral Areas and Strabane from providing the opportunity for the public to give their comments on the draft plans to date, and further shape the Local Plans for their area before completion.
A final round of workshops will take place in the new year to ensure the plans fully reflect the aspirations of all those who have taken the time to contribute on behalf of their communities.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said she was delighted to see such a significant strategy for the city and district moving to the next stage.
“I am delighted to say that the Community Planning process, on both the strategic and local levels, is progressing well and generating a substantial level of public engagement throughout.
“At the core of the strategic plan is inclusivity and equality, and we want it to truly address the needs of all citizens.
“It’s so important that people take the time to consider the outcomes of the draft plans once published, particularly the local plans for their areas, to ensure they are representative of all views.”
On Friday community and statutory members of the Transitional Community Planning Partnership (TCPP) gathered for a first glimpse of the draft strategic Community Plan. There was much positive feedback on the range of priorities identified in the plan, which will be the subject of public consultation in the coming weeks.
Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie, said that he was pleased with the response from the agencies tasked with overseeing the successful delivery of the strategy.
“We have come a long way in delivering the first Community Plan, and we are delighted at the number of organisations who have committed to the process,” he stressed.
“Today presented the opportunity to update all our partners on the progress to date and some of the outcomes which have emerged from the extensive body of research which has already been carried out.
“We are on track in our aim to deliver the plan by April 2017, and I look forward now to hearing the feedback in terms of the objectives and actions which we hope will transform our region in the long-term.”
Representatives from a range of organisations heard from a number of speakers at the event including Richard Johnston, Associate Director, University of Ulster Economics, who outlined the potential economic impact of the strategic plan, and Conal Fagan, Head Boy of St Columb’s College who championed the young people of the district by outlining priorities for the youth population.
Participants also had the opportunity to discuss the central themes of the Plan with Co-Chairs of the Transitional Community Planning Partnership.
To find out more about the Community Planning process and how you can get involved, go towww.derrystrabane.com/communityplanning
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