S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form
General Information: This is a new service/function.
Operational Area: Environmental Services.
Title: Consideration of a NIE mini-substation at Stable Lane, Abbey Street, Coleraine.
Brief Summary:
NIE has requested permission to install an electrical substation within Council’s Abbey Street car park. This will require the removal of an existing disabled parking space.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
The purpose of this proposal is to allow NIE to install an electrical substation within the Council car park to improve the stability, capacity, and safety of the local electricity network. The installation supports wider community benefits, including reliable power supply for nearby homes, businesses, and public services.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
1. Independent Valuation of Council Land
Owned by: Council (as part of its statutory responsibilities).
Implemented by: Land & Property (L&P) – issues the instruction.
Land & Property Services (LPS), Department of Finance – carries out the valuation.
2. Due Diligence on Operational Impact
Owned by: Council.
Implemented by: Director of Environmental Services.
Ensures there is no significant disruption to car park operations apart from the loss of one disabled bay.
3. Lease Arrangements for the Substation
Owned by: Council (as landowner).
Implemented by: LPS – negotiates payment terms and explores a 999-year lease option NIE Networks Ltd. – enters the agreement and pays associated fees.
4. Site Inspection and Condition Checks
Owned by: Council (responsible for safeguarding its assets).
Implemented by: Council’s Estates staff.
Conducts pre- and post-works inspections.
Ensures reinstatement of the grounds after installation.
5. Work Programme and Site Access
Owned by: Council (as the landowner and car park operator).
Implemented by: NIE Networks Ltd. – sets start date and work timetable.
Council’s Estates Team and Car Park Manager – coordinate access and operational arrangements.
6. Payment of Costs
Owned by: NIE Networks Ltd. (as the applicant wishing to install infrastructure).
Implemented by: NIE pays all reasonable legal fees and LPS fees incurred by Council.
NIE pays the valuation amount determined by LPS.
Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Other internal policies / strategies with a bearing on this policy:
- Accessible Information Policy.
- Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption.
- Carparking Strategy.
- Climate Change Strategy.
- Community Development Strategy.
- Corporate Strategy.
- Customer Services Charter.
- Disability Action Plan.
- Economic Development Strategy.
- Equality Action Plan.
- Equality Scheme.
- Every Customer Counts Policy.
- Good Relations Strategy.
- Information Governance Policies & Procedures.
- Land & Property Policy.
External legislation and guidance:
- British Parking Association; Safer Parking Scheme.
Available Evidence
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 2024.
- Carpark usage statistics.
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.
- There is a current request on the system for re-lining the carpark.
Religious Beliefs
According to the 2021 Census, residents of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council broadly reflect the religious profile of Northern Ireland, with 40.1% Roman Catholic (45.7% regionally) and 51.2% Protestant and Other Christian (43.5% regionally). A further 0.8% in the borough (1.5% regionally) identified with other religions, while 7.9% locally (9.3% regionally) reported no religion or chose not to state one.
No equality issues have been identified in relation to this category, and the proposal does not conflict with any recognised religious practices.
Political Opinion
The 2024 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey shows that the Alliance Party (24%) is the party people feel closest to, followed by Sinn Féin (20%), with unionist parties at 22% and nationalist parties at 30%; 17% chose none or didn’t know, highlighting both Alliance’s growth and a notable proportion of the population remaining disengaged from or undecided about party politics. (this information is not available at local government level).
No equality issues have been identified specific to this category.
Racial Group
According to the 2021 Census, while the local population is becoming more diverse, 97.8% still speak English as their main language, with Polish, Irish, Portuguese, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, and Cantonese also spoken locally.
No specific equality issues have been identified specific to this category. Generally however, to support inclusion and understanding, notices of works should be placed on site prior to the works, these should use plain English and Easy read to support those whose first language is not English.
Age
According to the 2021 Census, the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough has a population of 141,745, with a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 50 and over, indicating an ageing population. NISRA’s 2020-based projections show this trend continuing, with people aged 65+ expected to outnumber children by 2027.
The reduction of one disabled parking bay may reduce the potential for an older person with mobility issues to find a suitable accessible parking bay.
Marital Status
According to Census 2021, Causeway Coast and Glens reflects Northern Ireland trends, with the highest proportion of residents married (47.8%), slightly above the NI average of 45.6%. All other marital status categories are broadly in line with regional figures, except for civil partnerships (0.14%), which are slightly lower than the NI average of 0.18%. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Northern Ireland since 13 January 2020.
No equality issues have been identified in relation to marital status.
Sexual Orientation
The 2021 Census included a question on sexual orientation for the first time. In Causeway Coast and Glens, 91.3% of residents aged 16+ identified as straight or heterosexual, 1.4% as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or another orientation, and 7.3% preferred not to say or did not state. Patterns were broadly similar to Northern Ireland overall, with younger age groups more likely to identify as LGBT+, reflecting generational differences.
No equality issues have been identified in relation to sexual orientation.
Men and Women Generally
According to Census 2021, the population of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is evenly split by gender, with 49.3% male and 50.7% female, similar to Northern Ireland overall.
No equality issues have been identified in relation to men and women generally.
Dependants
In Causeway Coast and Glens, 28% of households include dependent children, slightly below the NI average of 29.2%, and 9.6% are lone-parent households, compared with 10.6% regionally. The borough has fewer single-person households under 66 but a higher proportion of older households, reflecting an ageing population. Around 12.3% of residents provide unpaid care, broadly in line with Northern Ireland overall, with those aged 40–64 most likely to be carers.
Carers transporting disabled children, people or older relatives may face additional challenges as a result of the reduced accessible parking options. These barriers may include having to use a new longer or less safe route to their destination.
Guidance about the works to be carried out, the impacts and alternative carparks should be provided to the general public to get their views on any presently unknown barriers and how these can best be mitigated.
These measures should use inclusive communication and accessible processes to support all Section 75 groups to have equal access to opportunities and assistance. Guidance will be provided in Easy Read, large print, on the Council website and its social media platforms and in other accessible formats as needed.
Disability
According to Census 2021, 36% of residents in Causeway Coast and Glens have a long-term health condition or illness that limits daily activities, slightly above the NI average of 34.7%.
Removal of the space may create barriers for:
• people with mobility impairments.
• wheelchair users.
• people with chronic pain, fatigue or respiratory conditions.
• people with hidden disabilities.
• people who rely on carers.
This is particularly pertinent the most recent census highlighted common conditions within our borough included long-term pain, mobility or dexterity limitations, breathing difficulties, and mental health issues.
Likely adverse impact. Impacts include fewer options, additional barriers, increased travel distance, being forced to park in other carparks with poor surface conditions, gradient issues, poor lighting, overall reducing people’s independence.
Guidance about the works to be carried out, the impacts and alternative carparks should be provided to the general public to get their views on any presently unknown barriers and how these can best be mitigated.
These measures should use inclusive communication and accessible processes to support all Section 75 groups to have equal access to opportunities and assistance. Guidance will be provided in Easy Read, large print, on the Council website and its social media platforms and in other accessible formats as needed.
Screening Question 1
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 Neutral impact.
Men Neutral impact.
Transgender men/women Neutral impact.
Reason: No clear direct impact identified.
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.
Neutral impact.
Reason: No clear direct impact identified.
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Major negative impact.
Reason: The loss of an accessible bay may reduce suitable parking options for Blue Badge holders, wheelchair users, and people with mobility or hidden disabilities. This may limit their ability to access the car park safely and independently.
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others.
Neutral impact.
Reason: No clear direct impact identified.
Age
Older People Major/Minor negative impact.
Younger people and children: Neutral impact.
Reason: Many older people experience reduced mobility and rely on proximity parking. A reduction in accessible spaces may disadvantage them.
Political Opinion
Neutral impact.
Reason: No clear direct impact identified.
Religious Belief
Neutral impact.
Reason: No clear direct impact identified.
Martial Status
Neutral impact.
Reason: No clear direct impact identified.
Dependants
Major/Minor negative impact.
Reason: Carers supporting disabled or older individuals may find it more difficult to drop off or accompany those they care for.
Screening Question 2
2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?
Section 75 Category If Yes, provide details If No, provide details
Gender
No. No clear direct impact identified.
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.
No clear direct impact identified. However improved pictorial signage, would support those whose first language is not English.
Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.
Yes — there are several opportunities to reduce the negative impact and promote equality, particularly for disabled people:
Add the removed disabled bay elsewhere in the car park.
Installing an equivalent (or improved) accessible space ensures continued access for disabled users and protects compliance with good practice standards.
Review the overall number and placement of Blue Badge bays.
This offers an opportunity to check whether the car park currently meets or could exceed accessibility standards (e.g., BS 8300, Inclusive Mobility).
Improve signage and surface markings. Enhancing visibility, contrast, and directional signage to accessible bays can benefit users with mobility, visual, or cognitive difficulties.
Upgrade accessibility features during reinstatement works.
Resurfacing pathways, addressing trip hazards, or improving kerb access could enhance the experience of all users.
Engage with disabled people and carers through consultation involving Equality Forum members and consultees ensures the solution reflects lived experience and supports the Council’s Section 75 duties.
Provide clear public communication about the change.
Advance notice, maps showing alternative bays, and on-site signage can reduce inconvenience and help users plan.
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others.
No clear direct impact identified.
Age
Older People, Younger people and children.
Yes — there are several opportunities to reduce the negative. impact and promote equality, particularly for older people:
Add the removed disabled bay elsewhere in the car park.
Installing an equivalent (or improved) accessible space ensures continued access for disabled users and protects compliance with good practice standards.
Review the overall number and placement of Blue Badge bays.
This offers an opportunity to check whether the car park currently meets or could exceed accessibility standards (e.g., BS 8300, Inclusive Mobility).
Improve signage and surface markings.
Enhancing visibility, contrast, and directional signage to accessible bays can benefit users with mobility, visual, or cognitive difficulties.
Upgrade accessibility features during reinstatement works.
Resurfacing pathways, addressing trip hazards, or improving kerb access could enhance the experience of all users.
Engage with disabled people and carers through consultation involving Equality Forum members and consultees ensures the solution reflects lived experience and supports the Council’s Section 75 duties.
Provide clear public communication about the change.
Advance notice, maps showing alternative bays, and on-site signage can reduce inconvenience and help users plan.
Political Opinion
No clear direct impact identified.
Religious Belief
No clear direct impact identified.
Marital Status
No clear direct impact identified.
Dependants
Yes - there are several opportunities to reduce the negative impact and promote equality, particularly for those with dependants:
Add the removed disabled bay elsewhere in the car park.
Installing an equivalent (or improved) accessible space ensures continued access for disabled users and protects compliance with good practice standards.
Review the overall number and placement of Blue Badge bays.
This offers an opportunity to check whether the car park currently meets or could exceed accessibility standards (e.g., BS 8300, Inclusive Mobility).
Improve signage and surface markings. Enhancing visibility, contrast, and directional signage to accessible bays can benefit users with mobility, visual, or cognitive difficulties.
Upgrade accessibility features during reinstatement works.
Resurfacing pathways, addressing trip hazards, or improving kerb access could enhance the experience of all users.
Engage with disabled people and carers through consultation.
involving Equality Forum members and consultees ensures the solution reflects lived experience and supports the Council’s Section 75 duties.
Provide clear public communication about the change. Advance notice, maps showing alternative bays, and on-site signage can reduce inconvenience and help users plan.
Screening Question 3
3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Religious Belief / Political Opinion / Racial Group
The proposal is not expected to have any impact on good relations.
The work relates to essential electrical infrastructure and the temporary loss of one disabled parking space. It does not relate to cultural identity, shared space, or community relations.
Clear communication and reinstatement of accessible provision will help ensure confidence in the Council’s decision-making, but no negative good-relations impacts are anticipated.
Level of Impact: None.
Screening Question 4
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section 75 Category If Yes, provide details If No, provide details
Religious Belief / Political Opinion / Racial Group
Yes. Although the proposal is a technical infrastructure request, there are still opportunities to promote good relations by:
Communicating clearly and transparently with all users of the car park to maintain trust and avoid perceptions of unequal treatment.
Providing information in accessible and inclusive formats, supporting engagement across all religious, political, and racial groups.
Ensuring fair and consistent application of parking and accessibility standards, reinforcing confidence that Council decisions are impartial and community-focused.
While the impact on good relations is expected to be minimal, clear communication and consistent decision-making can help maintain and promote positive relations.
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.)
As people can belong to more than one Section 75 category, and the loss of a disabled parking space may have compounded impacts for individuals who rely on accessible parking to participate fully in daily life. For example:
- Older disabled people may experience greater difficulty walking longer distances or navigating alternative routes.
- Disabled carers or parents with disabled children may face increased stress and reduced ease of access if accessible parking is limited.
- Disabled people from minority ethnic communities may be less aware of changes if English is not their first language, unless communication is clear and accessible.
- Disabled people with temporary health conditions (e.g., pregnancy-related mobility issues) may also be affected.
With proper mitigation including reprovision of the accessible bay and clear communication — these impacts can be minimised. However, acknowledging the potential compound effects highlights the importance of maintaining accessible parking close to services.
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.
There is limited direct data specific to people with multiple Section 75 identities affected by the removal of a single disabled parking bay. However, broader evidence highlights that intersectional groups may experience compounded barriers when accessible infrastructure is reduced. Relevant data sources include:
Disability & Age: Older disabled people are more likely to rely on proximity parking due to reduced mobility (NISRA Disability & Long-term Conditions Statistics).
Disability & Gender: Women are statistically more likely to be carers, meaning disabled women or women caring for disabled dependants may be disproportionately affected.
Disability & Dependants: Carers of children or adults with mobility impairments rely heavily on accessible parking for safe transfers.
Disability & Racial Group: Minority ethnic disabled people may experience additional challenges navigating unfamiliar environments, and any reduction in accessible spaces can increase barriers.
No additional Council complaints or service usage data indicate widespread or systematic issues at this car park; however, the loss of an accessible bay may create a disproportionate impact on individuals with multiple identities involving disability and mobility needs.
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.
If yes, please give further information and examples:
While the removal of a disabled parking bay is unavoidable for essential infrastructure, the process provides opportunities to reinforce positive attitudes toward disabled people by:
Communicating openly about the importance of accessible parking and why maintaining alternative provision matters.
Highlighting the needs of disabled users in public messaging related to the works.
Reviewing signage and layout to improve visibility and understanding of remaining accessible bays.
Using the project as a reminder of the Council’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion across all car parks.
These steps can help raise awareness of disabled people’s needs and promote respect for accessible spaces within the community.
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.
Please give further information and examples:
Although the project involves the loss of a disabled parking bay, there are opportunities to encourage participation by disabled people through:
Engagement and consultation: Inviting feedback from disabled people and representative groups on the impact of the change and possible mitigations.
Improving communication: Ensuring clear information about alternative accessible parking options so disabled people can continue to access council facilities and services without disruption.
Strengthening accessibility planning: Using this project to highlight the importance of involving disabled people in decisions about public spaces.
Reinforcing inclusive practice: Demonstrating that disabled people's views shape Council actions, helping build confidence and encourage continued involvement in public life.
These steps can help ensure disabled people remain active participants in community life despite the necessary works.
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:
The proposal has the potential to impact disabled users due to the loss of an accessible parking bay. However, with appropriate mitigation including reprovision of the bay and clear communication the impact can be reduced to a minor or negligible level.
No further EQIA is recommended at this stage.
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:
Adverse impacts on disabled people, older people, carers, and people with temporary mobility limitations can be mitigated through:
Relocating the disabled bay in a comparable, safe, and accessible location within the same car park.
Ensuring the new bay meets or exceeds accessibility standards (width, gradients, surfacing, proximity to amenities).
Clear signage directing users to the relocated bay.
Advance communication through Council channels, community networks, and on-site notices.
Scheduling works to minimise disruption and ensuring temporary safe routes are maintained.
Pre and post-inspection by Estates to ensure reinstatement meets accessibility requirements.
With these mitigations in place, the impact is expected to be low and manageable.
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:
Gather feedback from disabled users and Equality Forum members.
Monitor complaints, access issues and social media feedback.
Review usage levels of the replacement bay after installation.
Infrastructure and the Equality Unit to jointly review impacts after 3 and 12 months.
Approval And Authorisation
Screened By Position/Job Title: Strategic Asset Manager.
Date: 21st November 2025.
Approved By Position/Job Title: Director of Corporate Services.
Date: 21st November 2025.