IPH response to Revised Regional Transportation Strategy 2011

The increase in population and vehicles has placed significant pressures on Northern Ireland’s transportation networks coupled with fiscal constraints and the need to reduce our environmental impacts.  The revised Strategy concentrates on moving people rather than vehicles, creating space on the networks for people and also for freight and on maintaining what is in place and using it in a smarter way.  At its core is a move towards greater sustainability which will contribute positively to growing the economy, improving the quality of life for all and reducing the transport impacts on the environment.

IPH response to Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department for Regional Development Spatial Strategies

The remit of the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) is to promote cooperation for public health between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the areas of research and information, capacity building and policy advice. Our approach is to support Departments of Health and their agencies in both jurisdictions, and maximise the benefits of all-island cooperation to achieve practical benefits for people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As an all-island body, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland particularly welcomes that the Framework for Collaboration has been co-produced by the Department for Regional Development and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In addition the Institute of Public Health welcomes a more holistic approach to spatial planning that takes into account the environment and sustainable economic development. A clean environment and a more equitable distribution of prosperity have associated health benefits, as outlined in the IPH’s Active travel – healthy lives (2011) and Health impacts of the built environment- a review (2006).

IPH response to Department for Regional Development's Regional Development Strategy

Key points from the IPH response include: There is growing recognition that the leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and injuries, may be exacerbated by elements within the built environment which contribute to sedentary lifestyles and harmful environments.  IPH call for greater recognition of the links between regional development and health.   Health inequalities are the preventable and unjust differences in health status experienced by certain population groups.  The RDS has a role to play in tackling health inequalities experienced in Northern Ireland.   Supporting a modal shift in transport methods can lead to improved health and reduced health inequalities.   The RDS plays an important role in addressing climate change which is identified as a major public health concern for the 21st Century.  Creating healthy sustainable places and communities can go hand in hand with reducing the negative impacts of climate change.   IPH recognise the RDS is an overarching strategic framework which will be implemented by a range of other agencies.  To fully appreciate the potential health impacts of the RDS, IPH call for a Health Impact Assessment to be undertaken to fully determine the links with health and potential impact on health inequalities particularly in relation to the implementation strategy.

IPH response to Draft Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022

The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG) for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022 (draft) is a policy document which aims to direct the future growth of the Greater Dublin Area over the medium to long term and works to implement the strategic planning framework set out in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) published in 2002.  A series of recommendations have been made to Local Authorities clearly linked to and supporting the national investment in transport, particularly public transport, under Transport 21.  The draft was prepared and agreed for public consultation. The IPH response  to the consultation reports on how the RPG may impact on health and makes recommendations to maximise opportunities for health gain and minimise health loss.

IPH response to Department for Regional Development public transport reform consultation

This is the IPH response to the Department for Regional Development's public transport reform consultation.

IPH response to Department for Regional Development Regional Transportation Strategy Review

Travel behaviour can make a significant contribution to physical activity levels and subsequent risk of poor health including conditions such as obesity.  DRD can play a key role in tackling obesity in Northern Ireland through the Regional Transportation Strategy. This is the IPH's response. The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) aims to improve health on the island of Ireland by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health.  The Institute promotes cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in public health research, training and policy advice. IPH acknowledges that health is influenced by a wide range of social determinants, including economic, environmental, social and biological factors.  Transport is one of the key determinants of health and IPH welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Department for Regional Development (DRD), Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) Review.

Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland - A Regional Strategy - November 2011

Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland - A Regional Strategy - November 2011

Regional Eligibility Criteria for the Provision of Wheelchairs Through the Northern Ireland Wheelchair Service (PDF 2.20 MB)

A Guide for wheelchair users on regional eligibility criteria for the provision of wheelchairs through the Northern Ireland Wheelchair Service

Regional Hidden Harm Action Plan (PDF 2.21MB)

Regional Hidden Harm Action Plan

Tackling Sexual Violence and Abuse - A regional Strategy 2008-2013 (PDF 20.2 MB)

Tackling Sexual Violence and Abuse - A regional Strategy 2008-2013

Disability Equipment Services in Northern Ireland Regional Summary (PDF 1815 KB)

March 2003 - main findings of the study, key recommendations and the way forward

Radiology VFM Studies Regional Summary July 1999 (PDF 1435 KB)

Report Published July 1999

Diabetes Services in Northern Ireland Regional Summary August 2002 (PDF 2052 KB)

August 2002 - main findings of study, key recommendations and way forward