Northern Ireland round-up: NI policy focus on walking, cycling and public transport; Student accommodation approved

NI policy focus on walking, cycling and public transport

Northern Ireland’s infrastructure minister Chris Hazzard has announced ambitious proposals to ensure that walking, cycling and public transport are at the heart of emerging transport policy.

The Planner

Stephen Wilkinson inaugurated as RTPI president

Stephen Wilkinson has been inaugurated as the 2017 president of the RTPI, taking over from Phil Williams.

The Planner

RTPI shortlisted in three categories at Association Excellence Awards

The RTPI’s Young Planners Conference 2016, England’s Great Places competition and The Planner magazine have all been shortlisted in an awards scheme set up to celebrate best practice and excellence in all aspects of trade and professional Associations.

RTPI

Student accommodation approved

Belfast City Council planning committee has given the green light to the last of the major new purpose-built student accommodation complexes currently planned for the city. The installation of the Mew Island Optic, a new landmark in the Titanic Quarter, was also approved.

Belfast City Council

£5.2million funding boost for Enniskillen announced

Communities minister Paul Givan has announced around £4.7 million funding for a new major public realm scheme for Enniskillen Town Centre.

Department for Communities

£380,000 public realm investment for Londonderry announced

Communities minister Paul Givan has provided £380,000 to upgrade the area surrounding St Eugene’s Cathedral in Londonderry.

Department for Communities

New Derry to Belfast train by summer

An hourly train service between Londonderry and Belfast will come into operation later this year following the completion of a £42 million upgrade of the route.

Belfast Telegraph

Developer building homes without planning permission

A developer has applied for retrospective planning permission from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for four homes close to completion at the Mosvale Meadows development in Dromore.

Belfast Telegraph

Footfall in Northern Ireland’s shopping centres bucks UK trend

Northern Ireland's high streets and shopping centres saw massive growth in the run-up to Christmas – outpacing the UK as a whole, which suffered a small drop.

Belfast Telegraph