Name of Public Authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Reporting Period: April 2024 to March 2025
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning Rathlin Sound Festival 2024.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Rural Tourism and Transport Services or Infrastructure.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
At planning stage, the organisers considered income levels, religion, cultural habits, education, family structure, and the population density of the surrounding area and borough. The cost of services, travel expenses, local income levels, interest rates, relevant legislation, and unemployment rates were also considered.
Given the Borough’s predominantly rural geography, events were developed to encourage increased social interaction and community engagement.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning Ballymoney (Main Street) Environmental Improvement Scheme.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: None
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Following a consultation process no rural needs have been identified.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Review and development of a Street Trading Policy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Jobs or Employment in Rural Areas. Administration of street trading applications and enforcement of same.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
No specific rural needs were identified during the development of the policy.
However, it was noted that rural areas may be designated as potential street trading locations in the future. Should this occur, careful consideration will be given to the needs of rural communities, including access to goods and services, as well as the potential benefits and challenges associated with introducing new trading activity.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning NI International Airshow 2024.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Rural Tourism and Transport Services or Infrastructure.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
At planning stage, the organisers considered income levels, religion, cultural habits, education, family structure, and the population density of the surrounding area and borough. The cost of services, travel expenses, local income levels, interest rates, relevant legislation, and unemployment rates were also considered.
Given the borough’s predominantly rural geography, events were developed to encourage increased social interaction and community engagement.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Rescinding parking charges in Ballycastle.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Rural Businesses, Tourism and Jobs or Employment in Rural Areas.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The Council considered the impacts of displacement parking in residential areas, economic costs to rural boat owners, Ballycastle and Rathin Island residents, and staff working in local businesses against the increased turnover of spaces which would provide economic benefits for local businesses.
This resulted in an Elected members decision to rescind introducing car parking charging.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Draft Disability Action Plan.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Improvements for disabled individuals in rural areas.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
In developing the Action Plan, the council consulted with disabled individuals, including those living in rural areas, to ensure the proposed actions were relevant and inclusive. The council recognised that rural residents often travel longer distances for work and social interaction, face limited public transport and internet access and may experience isolation due to a lack of local services. Additionally, increased migration to rural areas can change community dynamics, further highlighting the need for tailored support.
To encourage participation from rural communities, the council offered accessible options such as free-post, telephone, and online submissions.
Targeted outreach strategies combined digital and traditional formats such as newspapers, phone consultations, and information at civic centres to improve access. Rural organisations were directly engaged, and additional provisions were made to support people with disabilities, ensuring they had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the consultation.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Accessibility Household Recycling Centres consultation.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Accessibility of Household Recycling centres.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
No rural needs have been identified.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning Christmas Parades & Switch On Events.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Tourism, transport services or infrastructure.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The organisers identified the need for individuals from rural areas to have the same access to the event. Using feedback from previous events and by consulting with key stakeholders they identified the longer travel distance, reduced opportunities for socialisation, unemployment levels and additional economic costs.
These factors were considered during planning and events developed to encourage increased social interaction, including free car parking and the provision of free family activities. Events were also held in rural areas spread across the borough.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Implementing a Redundancy Policy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: None.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
No rural needs have been identified.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Implementing an Annual Leave Policy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: None.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
No rural needs have been identified.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Reviewing Recruitment Advertising.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: None.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
No rural needs have been identified.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Revision/update of the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement in Planning.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: All areas.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Planning applications impacting rural areas may be decided at Planning Committee meetings, with residents encouraged to engage in the Council’s Development Plan processes. Efforts were made to ensure inclusive participation for rural residents by accommodating limited internet access, poor transport, and service barriers. Measures were incorporated so rural residents could contribute via post, phone, online, through a representative, or via virtual workshops.
To improve rural awareness and communication, targeted outreach strategies were employed, including both digital and traditional formats such as newspapers, phone consultations, and materials at civic centres. Rural organisations were directly engaged, and special provisions provided for vulnerable groups through Easy Read materials, Sign Video services, and officer-led consultations. These measures supported rural voices to be heard and their unique needs to be considered throughout all planning and consultation activities.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Reviewing a Grant Funding Policy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: All areas.
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Through sustained engagement with rural stakeholders and elected representatives, key impacts aligned with the Council’s strategic objectives were identified. In response, targeted funding interventions were offered to address the needs of both rural and urban communities.
Programmes supported a diverse range of themes, including:
• Community and Social Development
• Sport and Wellbeing
• Community Safety
• Good Relations
• Culture and Arts
• Community and Sports Infrastructure
• Business Enterprise
• Environmental Enhancement
Rural initiatives included the Small Settlements Regeneration Program, Rural Business Investment Scheme, and Rural Broadband Scheme. These interventions have significantly contributed to:
• Enhancing quality of life in rural areas.
• Tackling rural poverty and social isolation.
• Supporting education, training, and youth development.
• Improving community safety and social interaction.
• Promoting cultural engagement, networking, and collaboration.