Northern Ireland's Ministers have launched a public consultation seeking new approaches to deliver physical regeneration across the country.

Shaping Sustainable Places has been developed by the Department for Communities in collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEARA). It seeks to maximise the limited budgets available for regeneration through focused, strategically aligned projects which would then be developed by local councils.

A budget of £150million, with each Department contributing £50million over a ten-year period, is proposed and the final programme will require Executive approval.

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Discussing the launch, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am pleased that my Department has been leading on this work to develop a new joint approach to delivering regeneration in Northern Ireland. Shaping Sustainable Places aims to demonstrate that, by working together, we can maximise the impact of our collective investment and support communities to create sustainable and attractive environments."

Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said the public can all play their part in "shaping places that are welcoming and inclusive, encouraging people to walk, wheel or cycle to many of their favourite local amenities."

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir added: "I encourage all stakeholders, particularly those in rural areas, to respond to the consultation, and take the opportunity to have their voice heard".

The consultation is open now and closes on August 24. The Department for Communities will meet with a range of interested parties as part of the consultation exercise. 

The public can click here to read the full consultation document and have their say.