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The Irish Government is reviewing the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) and has asked an Expert Group to provide views on the revised Strategy. The first NSS was introduced in 2002, but its success was limited, and it is no longer fit for purpose. The Expert Group met with Department officials and considered the lessons from the first NSS, as well as the challenges facing Ireland in a radically different economic and financial context. The first NSS had some positive benefits, including introducing the concept of spatial development to the public policy agenda and encouraging sectoral policy and decision makers to consider Ireland's long-term territorial development. However, it also had difficulties and disappointments, such as being too theoretical and lacking substance and clarity on the implications of certain concepts. The Expert Group recommends a new approach to the second NSS, reflecting the new economic, fiscal, and administrative parameters and challenges, and recognizing the improved transport connections in Ireland. The Group believes there are compelling reasons for drawing up a second NSS, including the need to provide a national framework for spatial development and to address new and altered realities.