Summaries Report, Public Authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Submission Year: 2025-2026 Submission
Summaries: 12
001 - The Introduction and Implementation of a Special Leave Policy.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: The Introduction and Implementation of a Special Leave Policy.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to Implementing a policy, strategy or plan: Policy.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified: None.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas: No rural needs have been identified.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs? No rural needs were identified.
002 - Planning Rathlin Sound Festival 2025.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. 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 2025.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified: The following rural needs were identified through the RNIA process: Travel costs associated with attending events. Lower population density and dispersed rural communities. Risk of social isolation. Accessibility of community events for rural residents. Opportunities to support local economic activity in rural areas.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas: Travel costs were considered. Population density and dispersed settlement patterns were considered. Social isolation was considered. Economic impacts on rural communities were considered.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The event has been influenced by the rural needs identified above. In particular: The event is delivered within a rural island with access from a rural town, reducing the distance for rural residents to travel to attend. It provides opportunities for social interaction and community participation, helping address rural isolation. The event supports local traders, businesses and tourism activity, contributing to the rural economy both on the island and the rural town adjacent to it. Accessibility arrangements have been designed to support participation from rural residents, including those with additional accessibility needs.
003 - Publication of Validation Checklist.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. Council
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Developing the Publication of Validation Checklist.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to Developing a policy, strategy or plan: Policy.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified: The following rural needs were identified through the RNIA process: Limited access to digital services and broadband connectivity in some rural areas. Transport barriers associated with accessing Council services. Communication and accessibility needs for rural residents, including vulnerable groups. The need for accessible planning services for residents, businesses and landowners in rural areas.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas: The Council considered the following rural needs when developing the planning validation checklist: The impact of limited digital connectivity on access to planning services. Transport barriers affecting access to Council offices and services. Communication and accessibility requirements for rural residents and vulnerable groups. Potential impacts on rural businesses, farmers and applicants using the planning system.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The following measures were incorporated to address the rural needs identified: Information and applications can be submitted through alternative channels, including post, telephone and online methods. Accessible communication formats and officer support are available where required. Consultation includes
both digital and non-digital methods to reach rural communities. Easy Read information, SignVideo services and telephone responses are available to support accessibility. Rural stakeholders are included in consultation activities. The validation checklist does not introduce additional costs and aims to improve efficiency for all applicants, including rural businesses and farmers.
004 - Planning Ould Lammas Fair 2025.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning Ould Lammas Fair 2025.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified: The following rural needs were identified through the RNIA process: Travel costs associated with attending events. Social isolation arising from dispersed rural populations. Lower population density and reduced opportunities for social interaction. The importance of local economic activity and support for rural businesses. Accessibility to community events for people living in rural areas.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered the following rural needs when assessing the event: The potential impact of travel costs on participation by rural residents. The need to provide opportunities for social interaction in rural communities where isolation can be more prevalent. The importance of ensuring accessibility for residents living across a large rural geographical area. The contribution that major community events can make to supporting local businesses and the rural economy.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The event has been influenced by the rural needs identified above. In particular: The event is delivered within a rural town, reducing the distance for rural residents to travel to attend. It provides opportunities for social interaction and community participation, helping address rural isolation. The event supports local traders, businesses and tourism activity, contributing to the rural economy. Accessibility arrangements are considered to encourage participation from rural residents with accessibility requirements.
005 - Planning Salmon and Whiskey Festival 2025.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning Salmon and Whiskey Festival 2025.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The following rural social and economic needs were identified during the RNIA process: Travel costs and transport accessibility for residents travelling from rural areas. Lower population density and greater geographic dispersion of communities across the Borough. Potential social isolation experienced by some rural residents. Variations in income levels and employment opportunities across rural communities. The importance of community identity, local heritage and cultural participation within rural settlements.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The following identified rural needs were considered during the development and delivery of the Salmon & Whiskey Festival: The potential impact of travel distances and associated costs for rural residents attending the event. The need to ensure opportunities for participation are accessible to people living in dispersed rural communities. The importance of supporting social connection and reducing isolation through community-based events. The role of cultural and heritage events in supporting community identity and social wellbeing in rural areas. The potential economic benefits for rural businesses, hospitality providers and local suppliers arising from visitor attendance.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The festival has been influenced by the rural needs identified and considered through the RNIA process. Mitigating measures include: Locating the event within a rural settlement to maximise accessibility for local residents. Providing a free-to-attend community event to reduce financial barriers to participation. Working with local community organisations and businesses to encourage participation from rural communities. Promoting the event through a range of communication channels to maximise awareness across rural areas. Delivering activities that celebrate local heritage and community identity, helping to strengthen social connections and reduce isolation. These measures were introduced to ensure that rural residents can participate in and benefit from the event and to ensure that the festival contributes positively to the social and economic wellbeing of the local rural community.
006 - Planning the Open Golf Wraparound Entertainment.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning the Open Golf Wraparound Entertainment.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The following rural needs were identified: opportunities for employment and economic activity within rural communities; support for local businesses that rely on tourism and visitor spending; opportunities for social interaction and community participation; accessibility of events for people living in rural areas; and consideration of travel costs and transport requirements for rural residents.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered the importance of maximising economic opportunities for rural businesses and communities arising from the event. Consideration was also given to the accessibility of the event for rural residents, including travel requirements, participation opportunities and the role of major events in supporting social interaction and reducing isolation.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The event has been influenced by the rural needs identified through the process by: engaging with local businesses, community organisations and stakeholders; promoting opportunities for local economic benefit and visitor spending within rural communities; supporting community participation and engagement; and considering accessibility and travel requirements for residents across the Borough. These measures help ensure that rural communities are able to participate in and benefit from the opportunities associated with the event.
007 - Evaluating the Feasibility of the Microsoft Translator App across Council issued Mobile Devices.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Evaluating the feasibility of the Microsoft Translator App across Council issued mobile devices.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The following rural needs were identified: access to Council services and information for people whose first language is not English; reduced barriers to communication and engagement with Council services; consideration of social isolation experienced by some rural residents; access to services without the need for unnecessary travel; and consideration of poorer or inconsistent broadband and mobile connectivity in some rural areas.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered the potential impact that language barriers may have on rural residents when accessing services and communicating with Council officers. Consideration was also given to the challenges associated with travel distances, social isolation, and inconsistent internet connectivity in some rural areas, which may affect how residents engage with Council services.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The identified rural needs influenced the selection of a communication tool that can help reduce language barriers and improve access to Council services. To address the needs identified, Microsoft Translator was selected as it: supports direct communication between Council officers and residents whose first language is not English; reduces the need for residents to travel to Council offices or arrange additional appointments; can be used in community settings, making services more accessible to rural residents; and includes offline functionality, helping to address connectivity issues in areas with poor broadband or mobile coverage.
008 - Draft Climate Change Action Strategy.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Developing the Draft Climate Change Action Strategy.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to Developing a policy, strategy or plan: Strategy
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The following rural needs were identified: access to affordable and reliable transport; support for households experiencing fuel poverty and high energy costs; access to services and opportunities despite digital exclusion; support for rural economic resilience and employment; protection from climate-related risks, including flooding and coastal erosion; and support for community resilience and sustainable rural development.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered the impact of climate change on rural communities, particularly in relation to transport accessibility, fuel poverty, digital exclusion, economic resilience, and vulnerability to flooding and coastal erosion. Consideration was also given to the potential impact of climate action measures on rural residents, businesses and communities, and the need to ensure that rural areas can participate in and benefit from the transition to a low-carbon future.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The Climate Change Action Strategy has been influenced by the rural needs identified. Specific measures include: adopting a just transition approach to ensure rural communities are not disproportionately disadvantaged by climate action measures; including actions that support rural connectivity, infrastructure and community resilience; recognising the impact of fuel poverty and energy costs on rural households; considering digital exclusion when engaging with communities and communicating climate initiatives; incorporating measures that support adaptation to flooding, coastal erosion and other climate-related risks; and committing to ongoing engagement with rural communities throughout implementation and review of the Strategy.
009 - Planning Halloween Happenings 2025.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Planning Halloween Happenings 2025.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The following rural needs were identified: opportunities for social interaction and community participation; access to community events and activities for people living in rural areas; consideration of travel costs and accessibility for rural residents; and measures that help reduce social isolation within rural communities.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered the importance of providing opportunities for social interaction and community participation for rural residents. Consideration was also given to the potential impact of travel costs, accessibility and social isolation on participation in community events.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The event has been designed to support community participation and social interaction across the Borough. Working with local community groups and delivering activities that are accessible to residents from rural areas helps address the rural needs identified through the RNIA process.
010 - Planning Christmas Switch-On Events 2025.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. 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 Switch-On Events 2025.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to: Delivering a public service.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The rural needs assessment identified the following rural needs: opportunities for social interaction and community participation; accessible community events for people living in rural areas; consideration of travel distances and transport requirements when attending events.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered the importance of community events in supporting social interaction and reducing isolation for people living in rural areas. Consideration was also given to the accessibility of events for those travelling from across the Borough.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The Christmas Lights Switch On events are delivered across four towns within the Borough, providing opportunities for participation and access for residents from different geographical areas. This approach helps support social inclusion and community participation for people living in rural areas.
011 - Footpaths Are for People Educational Campaign.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Implementing the Footpaths are for People Educational Campaign.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to Implementing a policy, strategy or plan: Strategy.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The rural needs assessment identified the following rural needs: safe and accessible footpaths to enable access to services, employment and community facilities; consideration of limited public transport options and greater reliance on walking for some local journeys; accessible pedestrian routes for older people, disabled people and parents with prams; consideration of social isolation and reduced mobility where
footpaths are obstructed; access to information for those who may experience digital connectivity barriers; and consideration of limited alternative pedestrian routes in some rural areas.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
The Council considered how obstructed footpaths may have a greater impact in rural areas where residents often have fewer transport options, fewer alternative routes and longer distances to access services and facilities. Particular consideration was given to the needs of older people, disabled people and parents with prams who may rely on safe and accessible footpaths to maintain independence and access services. The Council also considered the potential impact of digital exclusion on awareness-raising activities and the importance of ensuring information is accessible to rural residents.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. The campaign has been influenced by the rural needs identified through the rural needs assessment process by: including messages that highlight the importance of keeping footpaths clear and accessible for all users; using examples relevant to both rural and urban settings; providing information through a range of communication methods, including non-digital channels where appropriate; and monitoring feedback from rural communities to help assess the effectiveness and reach of the campaign. These measures are intended to help ensure the campaign is accessible, relevant and effective for people living in rural areas.
012 - Draft Harbours & Marinas Strategy 2026–2036.
1. Reporting Period: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
2. Name of public authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
3. Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Developing the Draft Harbours & Marinas Strategy 2026–2036.
4. Please indicate which category the activity relates to Developing a policy, strategy or plan: Strategy.
5. Detail the economic and social needs of people in rural areas which have been identified:
The rural needs assessment identified that rural and island communities rely on Council harbours for employment, transport, recreation and access to services. Key rural needs identified through the consultation and assessment process included: affordable access to harbour facilities; reliable transport connections, including the Ballycastle–Rathlin ferry service; investment in rural harbour infrastructure to maintain safe and accessible facilities; protection from congestion and pressures associated with tourism; access for older people, disabled people, families, young people, fishers and local clubs; consideration of climate-related impacts on exposed rural and island locations, including erosion, overtopping and storm damage; and access to information for those who may face digital barriers.
6. Detail the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:
When considering rural needs, the Council examined how the Strategy’s proposals would affect rural and island communities who rely on harbours for employment, transport, recreation and access to services. The Council considered how the Strategy could affect rural and island communities that depend on harbours for employment, transport, recreation and access to services. Particular consideration was given to affordability, accessibility, capacity pressures, tourism impacts, digital exclusion and the need to maintain essential local access to harbour facilities. The Council also considered the importance of investment in rural harbour infrastructure to support local economic activity, maintain safe access for users, and improveresilience in rural and island locations that may be more vulnerable to climate-related impacts. In addition, the potential impact of charges, concessionary arrangements and communication methods on rural residents, including those on low incomes or with limited digital access, was considered to help ensure that rural communities are not disproportionately disadvantaged.
7. Has the policy, strategy, plan or public service been influenced by rural needs?
Yes. Concessionary/local rates for islanders and rural residents. Visitor management plans for high pressure rural sites. Prioritisation of essential local use in berth allocation and scheduling. Investment commitments for smaller rural harbours. Multichannel communication (online, noticeboards, community groups). Climate resilient design prioritised at exposed rural and island locations. Rural sensitive monitoring indicators (local employment, congestion, satisfaction). Recognition that many harbours operate at a deficit to deliver socioeconomic gain. Protection of rural access to slipways, moorings and community facilities. Greater engagement with local users’ community in the implementation of the strategy and action plans.