The ICLRD’s strategic goals are: To promote research activities jointly with academic partners to document successful programmes and best practices that promote inter-regional co-operation, sustainable spatial planning and economic and social development To develop capacity building programmes for public officials, civic leaders, non-governmental and other practitioners involved in local, regional and national development. To assist local governments and communities in translating policy into ‘on-the-ground’ action. The ICLRD is focused on building the capacity of regional and local authorities, development agencies, border networks and community and voluntary organizations to manage spatial planning on the island of Ireland as a whole. The Centre plays a proactive role in peace and reconciliation on the island by facilitating analysis and capacity building in the areas of co-ordinated spatial planning and social and economic development at local, regional and national levels. Stimulating economic growth and improving the living conditions of the respective populations in order to alleviate and prevent social conflict is at the heart of the Centre’s mission. Through its research and professional education programs, the ICLRD works with policy makers and local leaders to improve the environments in which people in Ireland, North and South, live and work – with particular emphasis placed…