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 introduction of a new pilot scheme to introduce an automatic height barrier operated via ANPR cameras.
1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.
Developing, adopting and implementing 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.
Introduction of a new pilot scheme to introduce an automatic height barrier operated via ANPR cameras.
1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.
The pilot will test whether an ANPR‑operated barrier improves accessibility and ease of access compared with the current manual system. The system will automatically recognise authorised vehicle registrations and raise the barrier without drivers needing to exit their vehicle or operate any controls.
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 ANPR barrier pilot may have a greater impact on rural residents, who often rely on private vehicles due to limited public transport and longer travel distances. It is important that accessible parking arrangements and registration processes are simple and available through both digital and non-digital channels to avoid disadvantaging older people, disabled people, and those with limited digital access, while continuing to support rural services, tourism, and emergency access.
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.
DAERA rural statistics and reports highlight structural disadvantages in rural areas, including longer travel times, poor connectivity, and reduced access to transport and local services. Research by Belfast Healthy Cities (Transport Poverty in Northern Ireland, 2025) and the Northern Ireland Assembly's Rural Policy & Delivery Overview shows that rural residents experience greater transport poverty, increasing inequality and limiting social participation.
The Ofcom Connected Nations Report 2023 found that broadband and mobile coverage remain weaker in parts of the Glens and Sperrin’s, making it important that accessible parking arrangements do not rely solely on digital registration. Census 2021 data also show higher proportions of older people and those with long-term health conditions in rural areas, meaning accessible parking is particularly important and registration must be straightforward and available through non-digital methods.
2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.
Rural Businesses and 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.
Consultation with Rural Stakeholers, Published Statistics, Research Papers.
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.
DAERA rural statistics and reports Rural statistics | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Belfast Healthy Cities (Transport Poverty in Northern Ireland, 2025) 25013-Transport-Poverty-Report.pdf
Northern Ireland Assembly's Rural Policy & Delivery Overview Assembly Research and Information Service Briefing Paper - [insert title of paper]
The Ofcom Connected Nations Report 2023 Connected Nations 2023
Census 2021 data Census - Office for National Statistics all accessed 04/06/26.
Workshop with Causeway Coast & Glens Council Equality Forum on 10/06/26, this group includes Coleraine & Rural, Urban Network (CRUN).
Consultation with North Coast Community Transport who hire and supply high-rise wheelchair accessible to rural groups on 05/06/26.
Consultation with the Rural Community Network N.I. on 05/06/26.
Discussions with complainant over the current system in place which disadvantages them.
Ongoing consultation with Councils estates supervisor and emergency services reference unrestricted access.
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 accessible parking - for rural residents who often rely on private vehicles due to limited public transport options due to percentage of rural areas in our Borough.
The need for convenient access to local services, amenities, and tourism destinations.
Additional travel distances and cost experienced by rural residents.
The importance of ensuring that access arrangements do not disadvantage people with limited digital access or lower levels of digital confidence.
The need for accessible parking arrangements for older people, disabled people and other vulnerable groups living in rural areas.
Support for rural tourism and local economic activity through accessible and efficient parking facilities.
Need for access by emergency vehicles to support both urban and rural residents and visitors alike.
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.
The Council considered the following rural needs during the RNIA process:
Reliance on private vehicles by rural residents due to limited public transport provision.
Additional travel distances and costs incurred by people living in rural areas.
The need for accessible parking to support access to services, employment, tourism, and recreation.
Potential barriers arising from digital exclusion including limited internet access in rural areas coupled with lower levels of digital confidence in elderly rural residents.
The needs of older people, disabled people and other vulnerable groups who may require accessible parking arrangements to socialize and enjoy the area in which they live.
The importance of supporting rural tourism, local businesses, and the wider rural economy.
The need to ensure parking arrangements and communication of same is accessible for residents and visitors travelling from rural areas.
Impact of digital downtime/system outages and access for emergency services, urban and rural residents, and visitors at rural tourist resorts.
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.
The pilot has been identified by the rural needs identified through the RNIA process, in particular:
The system has been designed to support access to parking for residents and visitors who reply on private larger wheelchair accessible vehicles due to limited public transport options in rural areas.
Consideration has been given to the potential impact of travel costs and the importance of maintaining access to local services, amenities, and tourist destinations.
The needs of older people, disabled people and other vulnerable groups have been considered throughout the provision of accessible parking arrangements.
Potential barriers associated with digital exclusion have been considered, with information and support available to assist users of the system in various formats.
The pilot will be monitored and reviewed to identify and unintended impacts on rural residents, businesses, or visitors and to inform any future rollout of the scheme.
The pilot supports continued access to town centres, tourism facilities, and local businesses, helping to support the local economy.
These measures are intended to ensure that rural residents and visitors are supported through technology to use East Strand car park and identifying unknown issues.
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: Car Parks & Concessionary Trading Manager
Division/Branch: Environmental Services
Date: 06/05/2026
Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: Director of Environmental Services
Division/Branch: Environmental Services
Date: 04/06/2026