Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Introduction: Planning in the Republic of Ireland

The Plan Area borders counties Louth and Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland. The RDS encourages cross border co-operation, particularly with regards to improving communications, developing economic and enterprise networks and protecting and managing the environment. This is also encouraged in the Republic where a planning framework is provided by development plans and guidance at national, regional, county and local level.

The "National Spatial Strategy" provides a 20-year planning framework aimed at achieving a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland. It is based on building upon the existing network of gateways and hubs with Dundalk being a major gateway and Monaghan a hub. The need to support smaller towns, villages and rural areas at the local level is also recognized.

The National Spatial Strategy is developed further in the "Regional Planning Guidelines for the Border Region". This report presents a vision that, by 2020, the Border Region will be a competitive area recognized as, and prospering from, its unique interface between the two economies.

A more recent study entitled "Newry Dundalk: A new perspective on the development of the region" (January, 2006), examines the potential of this border region further. It concludes that a strong strategic case can be made for a twin city region around Newry and Dundalk at the centre of the Belfast/Dublin corridor.