Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has emphasised how urban regeneration must be linked to improving the local economy, at a breakfast with leading Northern Ireland developers and planners.

The Minister was the first guest at a Belfast business breakfast organised by International PR Company, Weber Shandwick.

Ms Ritchie said: "Urban regeneration is one of many important paths in our route towards a shared culture and a shared future.

"When regeneration is done right, it transforms not just buildings and architecture, but the way people feel about public space and how we use it.

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"What I want to focus on is my department's priorities for the successful regeneration of our towns and cities. I want to make the most of the benefits we have achieved in recent years.

"If I can sum up my message to you, it is, that in today’s environment where the economy is the key political driver, social and environmentally-responsible urban regeneration must also be linked to improving the local economy."

The Minister made it clear that the current economic climate presents a significant challenge for urban regeneration and said that she will continue to work to tackle disadvantage in Northern Ireland's communities.

The invited audience representing developers, planners, legal firms, financial institutions and the voluntary and community sector enjoyed the breakfast at the Belfast Holiday Inn.

(PR/JM)