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Examining participatory governance in a devolving UK: Insights from national parks policy development in Northern Ireland

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  • Jonathan PW Bell
  • Aileen Stockdale

Abstract

This paper provides a contemporary examination of policy making and participatory practice in the context of devolving governance in the UK. The paper takes Northern Ireland as its focus and is particularly timely considering the context of devolved governance, the ongoing transition from conflict to relative peace and the potential for rejuvenating democracy through participatory governance. The paper concentrates on one particular policy process, namely the attempted designation of a national park in the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A thematic analysis of qualitative data is drawn upon to analyse the structural factors that framed the policy-making process, in particular the role of power in determining how consultation processes were initiated, designed and undertaken. Using Lukes’ model as an analytical framework, power is shown to manifest at multiple levels within the policy-making process to influence policy outcomes. The paper reveals how the persistence of a top-down approach to policy development combined with a highly parochial political outlook undermined attempts to designate a Mourne National Park. The paper concludes that, given the immaturity of recently devolved government in Northern Ireland, in this instance, the democratising intentions of devolved governance have not been met. This has implications for Northern Ireland’s recent reform of public administration which devolves certain planning powers to local authority level and the management of the internationally significant Mournes landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan PW Bell & Aileen Stockdale, 2016. "Examining participatory governance in a devolving UK: Insights from national parks policy development in Northern Ireland," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 34(8), pages 1516-1539, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:34:y:2016:i:8:p:1516-1539
    DOI: 10.1177/0263774X15625643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liza Griffin, 2012. "Where is Power in Governance? Why Geography Matters in the Theory of Governance," Political Studies Review, Political Studies Association, vol. 10(2), pages 208-220, May.
    2. David Illsley & Tim Richardson, 2004. "New national parks for Scotland: coalitions in conflict over the allocation of planning powers in the Cairngorms," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(2), pages 219-242.
    3. Bachrach, Peter & Baratz, Morton S., 1962. "Two Faces of Power1," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 56(4), pages 947-952, December.
    4. RUTH McALISTER, 2010. "Putting the ‘Community’ into Community Planning: Assessing Community Inclusion in Northern Ireland," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(3), pages 533-547, September.
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