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.

Armed Forces Day 2026.

1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.

Developing, a Plan.

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.

Planning for Armed Forces Day 2026.

1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.

A one day event to celebrate veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces which will take place in various locations in Coleraine on Saturday 20th June.

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 is going to have a positive impact on people living in rural areas as it provides opportunities for social interaction and community participation while recognizing veterans and serving personnel. In turn, this may help to reduce social isolation for residents in dispersed rural communities and provide an opportunity for veterans to network.

It is a free event, with information available in various forms and channels. There is good access to parking and transport links, infrastructure and public facilities.

Free park and ride facilities are available in various locations across within walking distance of the town centre which should reduce financial and accessibility barriers.

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.

This will impact rural residents differently due to longer travel distances which may incur higher travel costs but has the added benefit of socialisation.

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.

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.

Published Statistics, Consultation with Other Organisations, Research Papers and other methods.

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.

DEARA Key Rural Issues publication

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/key-rural-issues-2025-publication

Belfast Healthy Cities Transport Poverty in NI 2025.

https://www.belfasthealthyciti...

Statistics published by DEARA in Rural Data Hub.

Involvement of North Coast Community Transport provider.

Two drop in sessions were facilitated in Coleraine Town Hall for both businesses and residents.

Local knowledge through organizing previous events including AFD 2018.

Engagement meeting held with RBL re veteran participation on 6th May 2026.

Various Working Group meetings held fortnightly with MOD, PSNI and Council reps.

3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority?

Access to community events for residents in dispersed rural communities.

Tavel distances and transport costs associated with attending events in a larger urban town.

Opportunities for social interaction for rural residents who may experience social isolation.

Accessibility for older people, veterans, people with disabilities living in rural areas.

Recognition and inclusion of veterans who served and live in rural areas.

Access to information about the event to support rural participation.


3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas?

N/A.


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.

Potential impact of longer travel distances and lack of transport availability to support attendance by rural residents.

The need to ensure accessibility for older people with disabilities who travel from rural areas.

Ensuring event locations are accessible for transport and parking arrangements.

The need to promote the event in a variety of ways to reach rural communities.

Support socialization for residents in dispersed rural settings.



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?

Yes.

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.

Promote the event through a range of communication channels to support rural residents’ inclusion.

Locations have been selected to support car parking, link in with other transport providers and near to public facilities.

Bus drop off point is The Mall, off Park St where the MACU will be placed.

The event will support social interaction for both rural and urban communities.

The event is free to attend for all residents.

A post event evaluation to help identify any areas for improvement will be carried out.


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.

N/A.


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: Senior Civic & Corporate Support Officer

Division/Branch: Corporate Services

Date: 04/06/2026

Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by:

Division/Branch: Director of Corporate Services

Date: 08/06/2026