The Open Stage, Portrush, Equality Screening

S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

General Information

This is a revised Policy/Procedure/Strategy.

Operational Area: Leisure & Development

Title: Equality Screening – The Open Stage, Portrush 16th – 20th July 2025

Brief Summary

Over 100,000 people are expected to attend The 153rd Open which takes place at Royal Portrush Golf Club 13 - 20 July 2025. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is the only course outside Scotland and England to have hosted The Open, previously in 2019.

It is anticipated to be the largest sporting event ever staged on the island of Ireland, as the world's greatest players compete for the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Outside the ropes of the course, Portrush is set to come alive with a programme of fun activities for all ages. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are working to ensure that the town will become an extension to the event activity within the ropes. This will ensure that Portrush is showcased to the world.

An expected television audience of over 80 million across 150 countries is expected, with 100,000 plus fans in attendance over five days.

What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is committed to creating and maintaining a most inclusive environment for visitors attending an event.

Take all reasonable steps to ensure that facilities and services at events are accessible to all.

Ensure that all S75 groups attending events do not experience any form of harm, discrimination or degrading treatment.

Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council via different directorates.

Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s full range of policies.

Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:
Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2021

Available Evidence

This screening document has been developed using the best practice guide issued by Belfast City Council in 2017.

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 2021.

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.

Religious Beliefs

The 2021 Census outlined:

Religion / religion brought up in:

In 2021 the last census in Northern Ireland identified the main current religions were: Catholic (42.3%); Presbyterian (16.6%); Church of Ireland (11.6%); Methodist (2.5%); Other Christian denominations (6.9%); Other religions (1.3%). In addition there were individuals who stated they had no religion (17.4%) and the remaining population (1.6%) did not answer this question.

There was a similar picture in Causeway Coast and Glens where the main current religions were: Catholic (37.6%); Presbyterian (23.2%); Church of Ireland (15%); Methodist (0.7%); Other Christian denominations (6.4%); Other religions (0.7%). In addition there were individuals who stated they had no religion (15%) and the remaining population (1.4%) did not answer this question.

By comparing statistics in 2011 and 2021 and religion of upbringing (see tables above) it is clear that residents in our area as in the whole of Northern Ireland are becoming more secular. This mirrors the trend across Northern Ireland as a whole.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event 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)3:

Northern Ireland Life and Times survey (NILT 2019-21 dataset) found respondents from Causeway Coast and Glens felt relationships between Protestants and Catholics had improved over the last 5 years (43%), compared to the NI average (38%). Respondents in our area were also more likely to think relations between Protestants and Catholics will be better in 5 years' time than now (40%) compared to the NI average (32%).

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Racial Group

On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was:

The 2021 Census detailed 98.55% of our population is white, with 1.45% from an ethnic background. The largest minority ethnic groups in Causeway Coast and Glens are the Chinese (0.22%), Indian (0.15%) and Filipino (0.10%). The proportion of ethnic groups from a non-white background has increased in Causeway Coast and Glens over the last 10 years by 0.95% slightly increasing the diversity in our population.

Of the total population in Causeway Coast and Glens 3.45% of our residents were born outside the UK/Ireland as demonstrated in the table above this is an increase over the last 10 years of 0.56%.

Although our population is becoming more diverse 97.8% speak English as their main language. The other main languages spoken are Polish, Irish and Portuguese closely followed by Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese and Cantonese.

It is important to note that while other family members may be able to support translation, 1.30% or 750 households do not speak English as their main language and therefore would require translation services.

All information pertaining to events is advertised on the Council website which can be translated into all languages included in the main languages table above.

If visiting the Council Headquarters a signed video can be availed of.

If there is a language barrier whilst on site at an event, staff can use a translate app such as Live Transcribe or Google Translate.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Age

Age: (NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02)[1]

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-a02.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

[2] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: 2020-based interim population projections - statistical bulletin (nisra.gov.uk)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Marital Status

Marital Status:

Marital status by Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2021):

Causeway Coast and Glens follows a similar pattern to that of Northern Ireland in that the highest percentage of residents are married (47.81% compared with the NI average of 45.59%). The patterns are all higher than the NI average with the exception of Individuals in a civil partnership which at 0.14% is slightly lower than the NI average of 0.18%.

Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has been legal since 13 January 2020. (Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019)

*2011 Married – This includes people who were remarried; those who are separated but still legally married; and those in a same-sex civil partnership.
**2011 Widowed includes surviving partner from a same-sex civil partnership.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Sexual orientation

The 2021 census for the first time included a question on sexual orientation.

The council currently has no data specific to its workforce.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Men and Women Generally

Gender: (Census 2021 – Table MS-A07) [1]

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-a07.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Dependents

In Causeway Coast and Glens 28% of households include dependent children, compared with the NI average of 29.21%.

In Causeway Coast and Glens 9.61% of households comprise of a lone parent and a dependent child or children, compared with the NI average of 10.58%.

It is clear that our area has an aging population with fewer births, however the number of unpaid carers in our area is similar to the Northern Ireland average.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Disability

The Census 2021 showed that 35.95% of our residents has a long-term health condition or illness which limits their daily activities or the work they can do, which is slightly higher than the NI average of 34.67%.

In our borough long-term pain or discomfort affects the most individuals, followed by mobility or dexterity that limits physical activities.

Source: NISRA, Census 2021, tables MS-D03, MS-D04 through to MS-D16

Any flyers produced use writing no smaller than font size 14 for ease of reading.

Following the JAM system, events staff are always prepared to step aside with an individual who needs a bit more time or attention.

Kerr Street Green is a wholly accessible area.

There is no indication or evidence to suggest that the event will have a negative impact on this Section 75 Group.

Screening Questions (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 Positive impact.
Men Positive impact.
Transgender men/women Positive impact.
Other please specify Positive impact.

Reason: This is an event for all and aims to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

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: Positive impact.
Black: Positive impact.
Chinese: Positive impact.
Mixed Race White: Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others.

Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Age

Older People Positive impact.
Younger people and children Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Political Opinion

Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Religious Belief

Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Martial Status

Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Dependants

Positive impact.

Reason: This event is designed to improve the lives of our citizens and visitor experiences which will impact positively on all Section 75 categories.

Screening Questions (2)

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 event does not negatively impact on 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 event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for people of different racial or ethnic group.

Disability

Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Yes. Provision of MACU - disabled toilets (with hoist and attendant) in attendance the duration of the event.

Disabled toilets are located within the public toilets at:
Kerr Street, Landsdowne and Dunluce Avenue.

Quiet Space for individuals with additional needs will be provided on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 12 noon to 5pm each day. This includes sensory toys and large outdoor games such a Connect 4.

Disabled parking:
The Park & Ride has disabled parking and all buses are wheelchair accessible. Disabled parking bays available throughout the town.

Kerr Street Green is fully accessible to everyone.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

No. This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, transgender or others.

Age

Older People, Younger people and children

No. All age groups can get involved and enjoy the event. There will be something for everyone.

Political Opinion

No. This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for those of differing Political Opinions.

Religious Belief

No. This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for those of differing Religious Beliefs.

Marital Status

No. This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for any particular Marital Status.

Dependants

No. This event does not negatively impact on Equality of Opportunity for those with or without Dependents.

Screening Questions (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?

Section 75 Category: Religious Belief
Level of impact: Minor Positive impact - neutral venue and neutral programming brings groups within and across communities together.

Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: Minor Positive impact - neutral venue and neutral programming brings groups within and across communities together.

Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: Minor Positive impact - neutral venue and neutral programming brings groups within and across communities together.

Screening Questions (4)

4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?

Religious Belief: Yes. Open to all.

Political Opinion: Yes, business engagement across the community with programming and liaison with Councillors of differing political opinions.

Racial Group: Yes, liaison and engagement with the Chamber of Commerce and local community.

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.)

No impact

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.

No impact

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.

Through the provision of Quiet Times, disabled toilet facilities and parking spaces to encourage participation.

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:

Through the provision of Quiet Space for individuals with additional needs, disabled toilet facilities and fully accessible park and ride and access to entertainment zone and fully accessible site.

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:

A positive impact is expected.

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:

A positive impact is expected due to the inclusion of mitigation measures such as Quiet Space provision, MCAU, fully accessible park and ride.

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:

• This event will be reviewed following the successful delivery of the event.
• Seek feedback from visitors attending 2025 event.
• Debrief and ascertain lessons learned and ongoing monitoring.

Approval And Authorisation

Screened By: Tourism Events Operations Officer, 03/07/25

Approved By: Tourism Events Manager, 03/07/25