The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) was the national planning framework for Ireland running from 2002 to 2020. The NSS aimed to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland, supported by more effective planning. In order to drive development in the regions, the NSS proposed that areas of sufficient scale and critical mass are built up through a network of gateways and hubs. It was about people, places and potential, and making the most of our cities, towns and rural places to bring a better spread of opportunities, better quality of life and better places to live in.

The NSS is being replaced by the National Planning Framework.

Find out more about the National Spatial Strategy.