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.

Planning The Open Golf Wraparound Entertainment.

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.

Our Town is Open!

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).and other 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 the events with events being hosted in Portrush which is an area with good transport infrastructure. It had a great train service which alights in the town centre and a park and ride will be in operation to assist visitors reach their destination.

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 in Rural Areas.

    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.

    Hold Open workshops regularly in Portrush Town Hall to highlight and discuss plans as they progress. Meet regularly with Portrush Town Centre Forum to get the input from local businesses and Councillors alike.

      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 golf heritage of the area and work with local groups and individuals – whilst considering wealth, religion, habits, education levels, family sizes and make-up, structure and population density.

      Economic – costs to use service, travel costs, current levels of income in the area, interest rates, laws, unemployment levels.

      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 not being held in a rural 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.

      The economy will greatly benefit from The Open event. In 2019, when the event was last here, Sheffield Hallam study identified that it brought £45 million to the economy, with expectations that this could even reach £60 million this year. In 2019 £26 million of this was fed directly to Causeway Coast & Glens area.


      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 not being held in a rural environment. 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: Tourism Events Operations Officer.

        Division/Branch: Leisure & Development.

        Date: 03.07.2025.

        Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: Tourism Events Manager.

        Division/Branch: Leisure & Development.

        Date: 03.07.2025.