The National Spatial Strategy, is a twenty year planning framework,  with an aim of balancing social, economic and physical development around Ireland. 

The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) identified Dublin and the regional cities as well as four new “gateways” – the towns of Dundalk and Sligo and the linked gateways of Letterkenny/Derry and the midland towns of Athlone/Tullamore/Mullingar – as the preferred place for growth.

The National Spatial Strategy was launched by Minister of the Environment in November 2002.

The Irish Government has been criticized for implementing policies, such as the Decentralisation Scheme, not consistent with the National Spatial Strategy.

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