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?
No - go to Section 3E
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the public authority.
Not applicable
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 strategy can have a positive impact to all our residents, clubs and associations, including those living in rural areas. No specific steps were taken at this stage to identify the social and economic needs of people living in rural areas, as the Pitches Strategy is a city-wide strategic framework intended to guide the development, management and use of Belfast City Council's pitch infrastructure over the next 10 years for the benefit of all residents, clubs and sporting organisations.
The Strategy document does not propose measures targeted at particular geographic areas or specific population groups. Instead, it provides an overarching framework for assessing current provision, identifying future priorities and guiding investment across the council's entire pitch portfolio. As part of this process, all council pitch and outdoor sports assets will be considered, including facilities that serve or are accessible to residents living in Belfast's rural settlements.
Council-owned pitches are available for use by clubs, organisations and community groups from across the Belfast area, including those based in rural communities. Consequently, any future improvements arising from the Strategy may deliver benefits for rural residents through enhanced facilities, improved accessibility and increased opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.
As the Strategy progresses and specific projects or investment proposals are developed, Belfast City Council will continue to consider rural needs, alongside equality, accessibility and inclusion considerations, to ensure that opportunities and benefits are available to all residents, including those living in rural areas.
