Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland (RTPINI) Annual Planning Conference at the Europa Hotel. The event's theme, "Planning to Prosper", examined how planning and planners can support economic, social and cultural prosperity.

Addressing representatives from across the planning sector, Liz Kimmins said: "This year's conference theme speaks directly to the core responsibilities of my own Department for Infrastructure in shaping places, enabling connections and delivering for communities."

She added: "I firmly believe that prosperity is about much more than economic growth alone. As Infrastructure Minister, I want the North to be a place where investment is supported by the infrastructure it needs. A place where communities have access to high quality homes and services. A place where our towns and cities continue to evolve and prosper. A place where we embrace innovation while protecting the natural and built heritage that makes our region unique. And most importantly, a place where planning is recognised and valued as a positive force for delivering these outcomes.

"Planning is not simply about regulating development but rather the work of planners and the planning profession are fundamental in achieving prosperity for all. The decisions made in the planning system today about land use, transport and infrastructure contribute and help shape the North's economic success, environmental resilience and quality of life for generations to come.

"As we face further financial and environmental pressures we must not lose sight of what we have achieved and what our vision is for the future. "We have a highly skilled workforce, world-class research and innovation capability, a growing reputation in key sectors including advanced manufacturing and technology, strong connections across these islands and internationally and a planning profession committed to delivering positive outcomes. The challenge for all of us now is how we harness these strengths to deliver sustainable prosperity and as Infrastructure Minister, I am committed to ensuring that planning plays its part.

"Planning provides the framework within which many of the decisions affecting our future are made. A successful planning system requires clarity at every level, from regional vision through to local delivery. It requires strong partnerships between central government, local government, infrastructure providers, developers, communities and environmental stakeholders. And it requires a shared understanding of the outcomes we are seeking to achieve."

Looking ahead, she concluded: "Planning must help deliver growth, but it must also help ensure that growth is inclusive, sustainable and benefits communities. We must continue to work together to respond to future challenges and opportunities and ensure that planning contributes fully to the prosperity and wellbeing of our society."

RTPI NI Chair Nick Salt said: "We are delighted to welcome Minister Liz Kimmins to our Planning Conference again this year to provide the keynote speech, and we value her ongoing support to ensure our planning system is resourced and equipped to deliver.

"The theme for our 2026 conference is 'Planning for Prosperity', exploring the role of planners in creating economic, environmental and social prosperity, the barriers that prevent planning from maximising its potential to unlock prosperity and the solutions to overcome those barriers. A wide range of industry and community perspectives will be heard.

"The RTPI NI plays a pivotal role in bringing the public, private and third sectors together to fully realise the power of planning as a force for positive change: creating healthy, inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable places. As the voice of the planning profession, we advocate, support, and lead with purpose, professionalism, and passion."