One of ICLRD's primary activities is applied research into the social, economic and environmental dimensions of spatial planning, reconciliation and community regeneration and inter-regional and cross-border co-operation. Through collaboration among universities, local government and community groups, the ICLRD's applied research activities specifically address the spatial manifestations of community conflict, promote employment opportunities and encourage communities to take a proactive role in creating a stable society.

ICLRD has identified the following major research programmes it will undertake during 2007/08 with the core funding received from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), and the Irish Governments’ Department of Education, and Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government.  These are:

• Sustainable Communities;
• Newry-Dundalk Twin City Region;
• Small Connected Towns Study: Fostering Mutual Benefits in Cross-Border Areas; and
• Supporting Evidenced Based Planning.
  
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Each of the ICLRD research programmes builds on the InterTradeIreland Report (2006), Spatial Strategies on the Island of Ireland: Development of a Framework for Collaborative Action, as well as other ICLRD activities undertaken to-date. Key elements of this collaborative strategy will build on current cross-border and all-island planning initiatives including:

• Identifying strategic all-island spatial planning initiatives and infrastructure investments.
• Supporting the on-going development of sub-regional frameworks in Newry/Dundalk and the North West region.
• Promoting cross-border cooperation in spatial planning within the central border region.
• Supporting the development of comparable and compatible data for in-depth / joined-up evidenced-based planning and analysis.

The research activities will also highlight the role of reconciliation through local social and economic development. The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has been addressing these issues since its creation in 1986.   In January 2006, the IFI launched its new 5-year strategy “Sharing this Space” in recognition of progress made towards levels of peace and prosperity through the Island. The five year strategy will focus on issues of reconciliation, cross-community and cross-border links and address four key themes:

• Building foundations for reconciliation in the most marginalized communities;
• Building bridges for contact between divided communities;
• Moving towards a more integrated society; and
• Leaving a legacy - looking ahead to ensure sustainability over the longer term.

ICLRD projects are conducted by joint-research teams involving researchers from partner institutions. For each research project one of the institutional partners is appointed to lead the research with responsibilities for management and coordination.