Northern Ireland councillors should make their voices heard on proposals to reform the planning system, an assemblyman has said.

Sinn Féin's Cathal Boylan has called on local representatives to challenge and "mould" reform laid out by the Department of Environment.

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The Newry MLA said: "Local government bodies and local councillors have an opportunity to mould a new planning system which will best suit the rural dwellers.

"The new planning system will be a key function for local councils and will enable planning to be at the heart of the new councils.

"It is essential that local representatives make their voices heard at each of the events in order to best shape the future of planning."

(PR/KMcA)