Christmas Parades and Switch On Events 2024, Rural Needs Impact Assessment
SECTION 1 - Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016
1A. Name of Public Authority.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.
Christmas Switch On Events – Ballmoney 21st, Limavady 23rd, Ballycastle 28th and Coleraine 29th November 2024.
1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to
Delivering a Public Service.
1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above.
Council Strategy (2021-2025) – to continuously examine and introduce ways to provide services in more accessible and efficient ways
1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.
To ensure the planning and development of a safe, desirable event that appeals to both tourists and the local community.
1F. What definition of ‘rural’ is the Public Authority using in respect of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
Population Settlements of less than 5,000 (Default definition).
Details of alternative definition of ‘rural’ used. N/A.
Rationale for using alternative definition of ‘rural’. N/A.
Reasons why a definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable. N/A.
SECTION 2 - Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas?
Yes
2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas.
The event will impact positively on citizens, staff and tourists from both rural and urban areas. Consideration has been given to the barriers that may affect the ability of people in rural areas to attend events with events being hosted in areas with good transport infrastructure. For example this event is being held in the four towns of Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle and Coleraine. All of these have good public transport and also good commuter roads for ingress/egress to the events.
2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently.
The policy will not affect people in rural areas differently as the event is open to all. Directional signage and safety measures will be highlighted to all in attendance.
2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.
Rural Tourism, Transport Services or Infrastructure.
If the response to Section 2A was YES GO TO Section 3A.
2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas.
N/A
SECTION 3 - Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
Yes.
3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
Other Methods or Information Sources (include details in Question 3C below).
3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc.
Work with local reps through regular meeting with stakeholders such as local Business reps. and local community groups to help identify local requirements when putting on the Christmas Lights Switch Ons.
3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority?
Consider the heritage of the area and the grass roots of the Christmas Lights Switch Ons and try to integrate these into the festival which the local people of these four towns can be proud of. When organising the festival consider wealth, religion, habits, education levels, family sizes and make-up, structure and population density of the surrounding area.
Economic – costs to use service, travel costs, current levels of income in the area, interest rates, laws, unemployment levels.
If the response to Section 3A was YES GO TO Section 4A.
3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas?
The event is being held in a urban environment. The requirements for the running of the event is the same regardless of the area it is operating in.
SECTION 4 - Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
The geographical make-up of the Borough as a whole is very much rural. By the provision of this event social interaction is encouraged and may reduce isolation which was determined in the Economic Development Strategy.
SECTION 5 - Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified?
No.
5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified.
N/A.
5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or the delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified.
The event is being held in a urban environment, in the towns of Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle and Coleraine which have highly populated farming communities in their outlying smaller towns. Bearing that in mind, the requirements for the running of the event is the same regardless of the area it is operating in.
SECTION 6 - Documenting and Recording
6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance.
I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained and relevant information compiled.
Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by:
Position/Grade: Events Officer.
Division/Branch: Leisure & Development.
Date: 15 November 2024.
Position/Grade: Events Co-Ordinator.
Division/Branch: Leisure & Development.
Date: 15 November 2024.