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.

Belfast Stories will bring together stories from people who have lived in or visited the city including those from rural communities. It is intended to benefit the Belfast city region and have a positive impact across the area including on rural and urban stakeholders.

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.

Belfast Stories is intended to benefit the Belfast city region and have a positive impact across the area including on rural and urban stakeholders. We are not aware of local circumstances which will result in a differential outcome at this stage.

Equality, diversion and inclusion is embedded in the development of Belfast Stories. During the first public consultation, stakeholders, including people and groups in rural areas, were invited to comment on the outline concept and draft engagement plan, including consideration of any people and groups who are more likely to miss out and how they can be supported to engage. No differential impact was identified in response to the public consultation or draft rural needs Impact assessment at this stage.

A second public consultation will be carried out on initial architectural and curatorial concepts between 19 November 2024 and 23 February 2025. This will be accompanied by comprehensive stakeholder engagement including with urban and rural stakeholders, with an ongoing focus on identifying and engaging people and groups who are more likely to miss out.

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.

Not applicable.