A training programme for Northern Ireland Councillors has begun to make sure they have the knowledge and skills to carry out planning functions.

Planning functions transfer from central government to local councils in April 2015.

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

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He said: "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."

A series of training events are due to be rolled out across Northern Ireland from early September 2014 to late January 2015 to this effect.

(CD/IT)