NI Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy has announced his department’s commitment to sustainability.

Speaking at the ‘Success Through Sustainability’ conference in Newry, he said: "Sustainable development is fundamental to our modern existence, and we are faced with the difficult challenge of balancing development which meets the needs of the present whilst protecting the future for generations to come.

"It is key that we build sustainable communities to improve the quality of life for everyone and reduce the inequalities that exist across our society. It’s also important that we maximise all-Ireland co-operation, particularly on the border corridor, which includes Newry and Dundalk in terms of their regional role as drivers of development.

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"The current review of the Regional Development Strategy will have a key role in building a sustainable future. It will recognise that a sustainable community is a place where people want to live and work now and in the future."

The Minister also highlighted that the Regional Transportation Strategy is also under review and it aims to present a new sustainable direction for transportation here.

The Minister said: "Transportation is at the heart of many aspects of our daily life. Looking to the future, I believe that we need to face up to new challenges and achieve the optimum balance, so that our transport arrangements and our travel choices strengthen the economy, support communities, improve accessibility and also protect the environment, addressing the economic, societal and environmental imperatives of the island in a sustainable way."

Minister Murphy drew attention to the work of the Travelwise team in his Department to support organisations in developing Workplace Travel Plans as a means of encouraging sustainable travel.

NS