Regional Development - An integrated approach?

This article addresses regional development in a contested society, examining the extent to which the main regional strategies in Northern Ireland form an integrated approach to resolving not only the structural weaknesses in the economy, but also the outcomes of the socio-spatial segregation attendant upon the ethno-nationalist conflict. From this analysis, it proposes a model of regional development that transcends the traditional 'auction' approach, whereby sub-regions view themselves as rivals in bids for development opportunities. The argument is advanced that the twinning of the processes of regeneration and reconciliation is essential to long-term progress.