The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Northern Ireland's new report finds that the planning systems on the island of Ireland are diverging, with gaps in policy and collaboration that are likely to grow.
The research, Strategic Spatial Planning and the Framework for Co-operation: Strengthening Alignment on the Island of Ireland, provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of how Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland plan and coordinate development across borders.
Researchers found that the Framework for Co-operation – once a key mechanism for building trust and coordination – is severely underutilised. Many planning professionals are unaware of it, and its non-statutory nature has limited its impact.
Planning across borders has changed significantly since the introduction of the Framework for Co-operation in 2013, with political instability, economic shocks, and Brexit transforming the policy landscape.
The Republic of Ireland has adopted its National Planning Framework, most recently revised in 2025, while Northern Ireland continues to rely on the Regional Development Strategy 2035, now more than a decade old.
Researchers found that the Framework for Co-operation – once a key mechanism for building trust and coordination – is severely underutilised. Many planning professionals are unaware of it, and its non-statutory nature has limited its impact.
Despite these challenges, the report identifies strong examples of successful collaboration at the local and regional level, particularly through cross-border partnerships focused on economic growth and infrastructure planning.
However, persistent barriers, including political sensitivities, resource constraints, and incompatible data systems, continue to restrict progress.
To turn the tide on the cross-border policy gaps and challenges of collaboration, the Institute has set out a series of recommendations, including a revised and updated Framework for Co-operation and a deeper, more structured form of collaboration.
Mark Hand, Director of RTPI Northern Ireland, said: “While many RTPI members noted the continued strength of cross-border planning in their area, it was clear that collaboration was getting harder, and increasingly rare. Tackling this issue now matters not just for developments, but the impact to the local communities, whether it’s social, environmental, or economic.
“We hope this much-needed research can kick-start a renewed and more coordinated approach across borders, and ensure the island of Ireland can respond effectively to shared challenges and opportunities.”
