Portrush Harbour & Kerr Street Environmental Improvement Scheme Equality Screening
S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: Project
Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Existing
Operational Area: Prosperity and Place
Title: Portrush Harbour & Kerr Street Environmental Improvement Scheme
Brief Summary:
Sections of the town centre’s public realm have been completed at different times with the exception of this area of Kerr Street and the Harbour. This dislocation adds to the overall poor ambience within the town centre and reflects the resort’s neglect over many decades. Sections of key footways are too narrow to accommodate the public during high peak periods. There are many variations of materials employed over decades. Some are of considerably poor standard. The ambient lighting and the colour scheme throughout are outdated. Achieving a contrast with materials and styling can be successfully achieved while remaining complementary and efficient to maintain. There are also concerns regarding accessibility and health and safety given existing uneven surfaces, poor lighting and limited provision of seating.
The priority is to make a significant and impactful enhancement to Kerr Street and Portrush Harbour, reflecting the strategic opportunity brought with The Open Championship returning in 2025. To have the scheme completed for The Open in July 2025, detailed design, partnership approval, statutory approval and procurement would need to be completed by summer 2023. Construction may be necessary through the high season but with great care and coordination to minimise disruption to the tourism trade. The substance of the plan includes public safety reassessment, realigning footways and roadways, a range of footway surface finishes, furniture replacement, reassessment and removal of street clutter, new low energy LED lighting and revised colour palette for the scheme throughout.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
The rationale in delivering this EI Scheme is to:
• Improve the appearance of the Portrush town centre and harbour area;
• Regenerate the area thereby potentially attracting new investment;
• Make the targeted area a healthier, safer, accessible and more attractive place to visit, shop, work and live; and
• Enhance / complement other major work carried out by public sector partners.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Owners
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council – Employer
DfI Roads – Land owner
Who is implementing?
DfC – Funder
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council – Delivery Agent
DfI Roads – land owner, key consultee and delivery partner
GMDA – Integrated Consultancy Team
Northstone – Main Contractor
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Strategies:
• DfC Strategy ‘’Building Inclusive Communities 2020 -2025’’
• DfC Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework 2013
• Draft NI Programme for Government Framework 2016-2021
• NI Executive Office Outcomes Delivery Plan 2019
• Department of the Economy Economic Strategy 2012
• Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020 (DfE)
• DfI - NI Regional Development Strategy 2035
• Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) 2011-2021
• DfC Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Strategy 2015-2019
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Tourism Strategy (March 2015)
• Portrush Regeneration Strategy
• Lifetime Opportunities: The Government’s Anti-Poverty & Social Inclusion Strategy for NI
• Section 75 – The Northern Ireland Act 1998
Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:
• Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2021
• Northern Ireland Life & Times Survey 2020 (Ark)
Available Evidence
Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms. Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.
It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:
- Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2021 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.
- As part of the process of exploring the scheme design, GM Design have consulted with a wide range of statutory stakeholders including Planning Service, DfI, Transport NI, Building Control and relevant utilities: BT, NIW, NIE etc (there is no natural gas provision within Portrush).
- In addition, GM Design have assisted Council officers in holding consultations with the general public and local traders and residents. A formal Public Consultation took place between 22 November 2021 & 13 February 2022 consisting of the following:
- Details of concept designs and feedback methods were posted on the Council website, social media platforms, local press, and placed in Portrush Library.
- Stakeholder meetings and presentations have taken place via Zoom/Microsoft Teams.
- Council officers conducted weekly drop-in sessions at Portrush Town Hall for any who wished to view plans, seek clarity and leave feedback.
- A dedicated named Council Officer was available by email and phone for the duration of the project to discuss detail or field enquiries to the relevant bodies.
- Consultees have included statutory organisations, Interdepartmental briefings, Section 75 groups including IMTAC, Portrush Heritage Group, residents of the project area and members of the public in general.
Feedback has been largely positive and suggestions and concerns are helping inform the project design on an ongoing basis. Many respondents welcomed the proposals citing lighting, resurfacing and railings as an improvement to the area and a boost to the pedestrian experience. In particular, the resurfacing of the footway was welcomed by those with disabilities, as well as the increased visibility in the area that will be enhanced by improved lighting.
Extending beyond the Public Consultation period, ongoing dialogue continued with many stakeholders, including very significant input from a local disability advocate and member of IMTAC who provided observations and suggestions that were taken on board wherever possible by the Design Team
Many shoppers and visitors to Portrush travel from rural towns and villages in the immediate proximity and beyond. This project therefore views rural and urban visitors the same way and expect the enhancements to benefit all.
Section 75 Category
Details of Evidence/Information:
- The Census statistics in 2021 collated by NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 141,746 accounting for 7.45% of the N.I. total. Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed.
- It is also clear that the majority of our borough is rural in composition and therefore the specific needs of those individuals must to be considered during screening.
Religious Beliefs
The 2021 Census outlined:
Religion / religion brought up in:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic 40.12% 45.70%
Protestant & Other Christian
(including Christian related) 51.17% 43.48%
Other Religions 0.78% 1.50%
None/Not stated 7.94% 9.32%
Staff breakdown by Religious Belief / Community Background (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Religious Belief / Gender Number of Staff
Community Background
Roman Catholic Male 119 (19.67%)
Female 126 (20.82%)
Protestant Male 199 (32.89%)
Female 128 (21.16%)
Non-Determined Male 17 (2.81%)
Female 16 (2.65%)
Total: 605
In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are 2 predominant groupings ie Roman Catholic and Protestant. However we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion. In addition we have a small number of individuals who practice other religions.
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicated that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Political Opinion
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2021) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at local government level) :
%
DUP/Democratic Unionist Party 12
Sinn Féin 13
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) 13
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) 13
Alliance Party 19
Green Party 5
Other Party 4
None of these 11
Other answer 1
Don't know 9
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicated any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Racial Group
On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
White 98.55% 96.55%
Irish Traveller 0.03% 0.14%
Roma 0.01% 0.08%
Indian 0.15% 0.52%
Chinese 0.22% 0.50%
Filipino 0.10% 0.23%
Pakistani 0.03% 0.08%
Arab 0.03% 0.10%
Other Asian 0.10% 0.28%
Black African 0.12% 0.42%
Black Other 0.04% 0.16%
Mixed 0.51% 0.76%
Other ethnicities 0.11% 0.19%
Staff breakdown by Racial Group / Ethnic Origin (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Racial Group / Ethnic Origin Number of Staff
Mixed Ethnic Group 1 (0.16%)
Other 2 (0.33%)
White / White European 546 (90.25%)
Unknown 56 (9.26%)
Total: 605
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Age
Age: (NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
0-4 years 7,973 (5.62%) 113,820 (5.98%)
5-9 years 8,878 (6.26%) 124,475 (6.54%)
10-14 years 9,113 (6.43%) 126,918 (6.67%)
15-19 years 8,326 (5.87%) 113,203 (5.95%)
20-24 years 7,873 (5.55%) 111,386 (5.85%)
25-29 years 7,713 (5.44%) 116,409 (6.12%)
30-34 years 8,460 (5.97%) 126,050 (6.62%)
35-39 years 8,528 (6.02%) 127,313 (6.69%)
40-44 years 8,513 (6.01%) 122,163 (6.42%)
45-49 years 9,322 (6.58%) 121,670 (6.39%)
50-54 years 10,412 (7.35%) 130,967 (6.88%)
55-59 years 10,150 (7.16%) 129,276 (6.79%)
60-64 years 9,171 (6.47%) 113,049 (5.94%)
65-69 years 7,769 (5.48%) 93,464 (4.91%)
70-74 years 6,990 (4.93%) 83,467 (4.39%)
75-79 years 5,659 (3.99%) 66,377 (3.49%)
80-84 years 3,718 (2.62%) 43,776 (2.30%)
85-89 years 2,126 (1.50%) 25,879 (1.36%)
90+ years 1,051 (0.74%) 13,512 (0.71%)
TOTAL Population 141,745 1,903,174
Staff breakdown by Age (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Age Group Number of staff
22-29 21 (3.47%)
30-34 28 (4.63%)
35-39 64 (10.58%)
40-44 71 (11.74%)
45-49 99 (16.36%)
50-54 115 (19.01%)
55-59 92 (15.21%)
60-64 88 (14.54%)
65-120 27 (4.46%)
Total 605
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Marital Status
Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011:
Census 2011 Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC Limavady BC Moyle DC
Single 32.68% 34.78% 36.64% 34.96%
Married 52.52% 48.88% 48.94% 49.03%
Civil Partnership 0.07% 0.06% 0.08% 0.08%
Separated 3.13% 3.15% 3.58% 3.66%
Divorced/Civil
Partnership Dissolved 5.23% 6.13% 4.99% 5.11%
Widowed/
Surviving Civil Partner 6.39% 7.00% 5.78% 7.15%
Staff breakdown by Marital Status (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Marital Status Number of staff
Unknown 60 (9.92%)
Married \ Civil Partnership 336 (55.54%)
Divorced 12 (1.98%)
Other 19 (3.14%)
Separated 12 (1.98%)
Single 164 (27.11%)
Widowed 2 (0.33%)
Total: 605
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Sexual Orientation
There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area.
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2021) provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):
%
I am ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ (homosexual) 2
I am heterosexual or ‘straight’ 93
I am bi-sexual 4
Other 0
In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT.
Whilst the project will not bring forward specific proposals and policies for the LGBT community, it is anticipated that improvements to lighting, natural observation and access will have a positive impact on safety and security of those using areas and would benefit these groups.
Men and Women Generally Gender:
Gender: (Census 2021 – Table MS-A07)
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Male 69,848 (49.28%) 936,132 (49.19%)
Female 71,898 (50.72%) 967,043 (50.81%)
Staff breakdown by Gender (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Gender Number of staff
Male 335 (55.38%)
Female 270 (44.62%)
Total: 605
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Dependants
The Census information in 2011 & 2021 showed:
People With or Without Dependents (Census 2021 – Table MS-B12):
CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Number of households (2021 stats) 57,576 768,810
Households with dependent children (2011 stats) 15,597 (28.37%) 261,251 (36.19%)
Staff Family Status (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
Family Status Number of staff
Blank 298 (49.26%)
Adults(s) 11 (1.82%)
Child/Children 157 (25.95%)
None 138 (22.81%)
Other 1 (0.16%)
Total: 605
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Disability
People with a Disability/People Without: (Census 2021 Tables MS-D03 and MS-D04)
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
People with a long-term
condition/illness 30,656 (53.24%) 423,945 (55.14%)
People Without 90,793 (64.05%) 1,243,371 (65.33%)
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Long-term Condition
Deafness or partial hearing loss 8,914 (6.29%)
Blindness or partial sight 2,560 (1.81%)
Mobility or dexterity that requires the use of a wheelchair 2,145 (1.51%)
Mobility or dexterity that limits physical activities 15,951 (11.25%)
Intellectual or learning disability 1,340 (0.95%)
Intellectual or learning difficulty 4,334 (3.06%)
Autism or Asperger syndrome 2,282 (1.61%)
An emotional, psychological or mental health condition 11,787 (8.32%)
Frequent periods of confusion or memory loss 2,681 (1.89%)
Long term pain or discomfort 17,396 (12.27%)
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 14,525 (10.25%)
Other condition 13,214 (9.32%)
Source: NISRA, Census 2021, tables MS-D03, MS-D04 through to MS-D16
Staff breakdown by Disability (Figures as at 21 October 2022)
With or Without a Disability Number of staff
No 591 (97.69%)
Yes 14 (2.31%)
Total: 605
None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.
Screening Questions
1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Section 75 Category - Positive impact (it could benefit) Neutral Negative impact (it could disadvantage)
Gender
Women, Men, Transgender men/women, Other: Positive. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different genders and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Race The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.
Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, Other: Positive. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of racial/ethnic groups and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Positive. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people with or withough disabilities and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
Positive. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different sexual orientation and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Age Older People / Younger people and children
Positive. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different ages and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Political Opinion
Neutral. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different political opinion and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Religious Belief
Neutral. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different religious belief and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Martial Status
Neutral. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different marital status and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space.
Dependants
Positive. The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people with dependents and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public space which significantly enhances accessibility and safety.
Screening Questions
2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?
Gender (Women, Men, Transgender men/women , Other please specify)
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity for men and women generally
Race The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.
(Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, White, Other please specify)
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Sexual orientation Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Age Older People, Younger people and children
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Political Opinion
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Religious Belief
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Marital Status
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Dependants
No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity
Screening Questions
3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section 75 Category: Religious Belief
Level of impact: This project does not offer any opportunity to impact on people of different religious belief. None
Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: This project does not offer any opportunity to impact on people of different political opinion. None
Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: This project does not offer any opportunity to impact on people with different racial or ethnic groups. None
Screening Questions
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Religious Belief This project is a physical enhancement of a shared public space and will remain as neutral as a result of the project as it has been deemed previously.
Political Opinion This project is a physical enhancement of a shared public space and will remain as neutral as a result of the project as has been deemed previously.
Racial Group This project is a physical enhancement of a shared public space and will remain as neutral as a result of the project as has been deemed previously.
Additional Considerations
Generally speaking people can fall into more than one Section 75 category. Taking this into consideration, are there any potential impacts of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities? (For example: disabled minority ethnic people, disabled women, young Protestant men, young lesbians, gay and bisexual people.)
An overarching aim for the project was to enhance this space for the good of all with a particular focus on accessibility and safety – particularly by increasing lighting levels for additional safety for those who are vulnerable after dark. Facilities such as seating and accessibility to seating area have been designed to encourage all users with disabilities as well as those without.
Provide details of data on the impact of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities. Specify the relevant Section 75 categories concerned.
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Disability Considerations
Is there an opportunity to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Yes The upgrade of uneven surfaces, widening of walkways and provision of DDA compliant seating where possible.
Is there an opportunity to encourage participation by disabled people in public life by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Yes It is envisaged that improving accessibility through lighting, seating, surfaces and greater space for pedestrians, disabled people will be more encouraged to visit and enjoy this area.
Screening Decision
Likely Impact: Minor
If the decision is to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact – Major), please provide details of the reasons for this:
N/A
If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = Minor) the Council should consider if the policy should be mitigated or an alternative policy be introduced:
Any concerns raised as a result of the ongoing dialogue with representatives of the disability category, or via consultation/engagement on the policy including the statutory planning consultation process, was considered in full and further changes made, where possible, to mitigate any adverse impacts identified. This process was ongoing through open dialogue on proposed design scheme and reached beyond the construction phase of the project.
If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = None), please provide details of the reasons for this:
N/A
Mitigation
When the Council concludes that the likely impact is ‘Minor’ and an equality impact assessment is not to be conducted, the Council may consider mitigation to lessen the severity of any equality impact, or the introduction of an alternative policy to better promote equality of opportunity or good relations.
Can the policy/decision be amended or changed or an alternative policy introduced to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations?
Yes
If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:
Any future concerns raised as a result of the ongoing dialogue with representatives of the disability category, or via future consultation/engagement on the policy including the statutory planning consultation process, will be considered in full and further changes made, where possible, to mitigate any adverse impacts identified.
Timetabling And Prioritising
If the policy/decision has been ‘screened in’ for equality impact assessment, then please answer the following questions to determine its priority for timetabling the equality impact assessment.
On a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment.
Priority Criterion Rating (1 to 3)
Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations N/A
Social Need N/A
Effect on people’s daily lives N/A
Relevance to the Council’s functions N/A
Monitoring
Please outline proposals for future monitoring of the policy/decision:
The project will be completed by July 2023 and will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the integrated consultancy team led by GMDA, the contractor and the council officers.