Major RTPI-commissioned research highlights risks and opportunities in cross-border spatial planning on the island of Ireland

A major new study, commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and undertaken by Ulster University academics in association with the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD), has delivered the most comprehensive assessment to date of cross-border spatial planning between Northern Ireland and Ireland, highlighting both the progress made and the growing risks of policy divergence.

Building on previous research in the field of spatial planning from Ulster University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, the team consists of Dr Gavan Rafferty and Dr Linda McElduff, who are also Research Associates with ICLRD, working with Caroline Creamer, based at Maynooth University, who is the Director of ICLRD.

The research found that while cross-border co-operation is widely valued and actively taking place, it remains uneven and constrained by structural, institutional, and political barriers. Increasing divergence between spatial planning strategies in the two jurisdictions risks undermining long-term alignment, particularly in the context of evolving economic, environmental, and governance challenges.

Since the introduction of the Framework for Co-operation – Spatial Strategies of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 2013, there has been limited critical evaluation of its impact. This new study addresses that gap, examining how spatial planning has evolved across the island and assessing the Framework’s continued relevance.

Key findings include:

• Cross-border collaboration is happening, but not consistently or strategically monitored.
• Policy alignment is often assumed rather than clearly evidenced.
• Northern Ireland’s Regional Development Strategy 2035 reflects a more traditional, infrastructure-led approach, while the Republic of Ireland’s revised National Planning Framework (2025) adopts more contemporary, climate-focused and well-being-oriented policies.
• The Framework for Co-operation remains relevant but is underutilised and in need of renewal.

The study also highlights the growing importance of “soft spaces” – informal, flexible arenas for engagement – which support trust-building, knowledge exchange, and what the research terms “spatial public diplomacy.”

Despite challenges, stakeholders identified clear benefits of cross-border collaboration, including improved infrastructure planning, enhanced environmental management, and stronger economic competitiveness. Local authority-led initiatives, such as regional growth partnerships and economic corridors, are identified as particularly effective models of collaboration.

However, barriers persist. Differences in legislation, data systems, funding structures, and political contexts continue to limit deeper integration. Brexit has added complexity but has also reinforced the importance of maintaining co-operation.

The report sets out five key recommendations:

1. Review of Northern Ireland’s Regional Development Strategy
2. Revitalise the Framework for Co-operation
3. Improve shared data and performance monitoring
4. Strengthen resources and professional training
5. Move beyond co-operation towards deeper collaboration

The findings underline a critical moment for spatial planning on the island of Ireland. With increasing pressures from climate change, economic transformation, and infrastructure demand, the need for more aligned, strategic, and collaborative approaches has never been greater.

The official launch event in Newry, organised by the RTPI, brought together planning practitioners from Ireland and Northern Ireland, with a panel discussion after the presentation of the key research findings, which included the research team, Rosemary Daly, Chief Planner for Northern Ireland, Department for Infrastructure (DfI), Claragh Mulhern, Chief Planner for Ireland, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and Sinéad Mullen, Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).

Dr Gavan Rafferty, Lecturer in Spatial Planning and Development at Ulster University, said:

“Cross-border co-operation on the island of Ireland is widely valued and actively taking place. Our research shows that while there is some alignment between spatial planning approaches, this is often assumed rather than clearly understood or monitored. With growing policy divergence and increasing shared challenges – from climate change to infrastructure demand – there is a clear need to refresh the existing framework, strengthen collaboration, and move beyond co-operation towards more integrated, forward-looking spatial planning.”

Dr Linda McElduff, Lecturer in Planning at Ulster University said:

“Our findings highlight not only the importance of cross-border spatial planning and the strong foundations already in place, but also the need for continued engagement and renewed commitment to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in addressing the island’s shared challenges in the years ahead.”