The planning system in Northern Ireland post-devolution

Devolution within the UK has produced new systems of governance within Scot land and Wales and restored to Northern Ireland local accountability follow ing three decades of direct administration. The paper reviews the different status of Northern Ireland to provide both an understanding of the context in which planning has been set and the new structures that are taking shap e. Particular focus is placed upon the ambitious mechanisms underlying the Agreement between the political parties in the province. The paper discusse s how planning issues and responsibilities have moved from one highly centr alized government department pre-devolution to effectively three new depart ments thereby providing a test not only of joined-up governance but of the ability of the new devolved structures to work effectively. Challenges pose d by the different competencies are debated and emerging issues are discuss ed in terms of coherent planning at regional, subregional and local levels.