NMDDC Beach Access Framework

Client: Newry Mourne and Down District Council

The Challenge

Over 1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland (NI) are reported to have a form of disability (NISRA).

People living with multiple physical and mental disabilities are often deprived of fully inclusive access to goods and services in NI. Activities taken for granted by much of the population for example, accessing recreation settings and open spaces require comprehensive forward planning by many people with disabilities to ensure basic needs can be met at, or enroute to venues.

Barriers to access are arguably becoming fewer through the implementation of specific building regulations, however, the application of regulations and standards do not always mean a fully inclusive outcome, particularly when looking at scenarios of providing access to the outdoor environment.

Given the limitations that disabilities can cause, some cannot experience the benefits of recreational activities. Beaches are an essential recreation setting that could provide significant physiological, psychological, and social benefits to those with disabilities.

The Role

To develop a beach access framework, that identifies the current accessibility status of beaches in the council area and prioritises those beaches for development with benchmarked accessibility criteria and costs.

Stage 1: Benchmarking

Consideration of current trends and practice
Identification of critical success factors
Identification of best practice in design and management of beach access
Engagement with outdoor recreation providers and disability access stakeholders in the rest of UK and Ireland

Stage 2: Baseline Review of Current Provision

Identification of the need for and objectives of provision in consultation with key stakeholders
Provision of indicative defining criteria for a quality accessible outdoor experience[1]
Assessing current provision – GIS mapping of beaches assessed with this Study to identify their value as accessible outdoor experience provision
Identification of infrastructure requirements, estimated development costs, and additional considerations for development
Gap analysis and identification of development opportunities (including sites which are not necessarily accessible but would benefit from better provision)

Stage 3: Preparation of Recommendations

Clear recommendations include:

A rationale for future developments
Recommendations for suitable facilities, including phasing and prioritisation
Recommendations for management and communication
High level cost estimates for development

[1] This study does not aim to provide a detailed breakdown of all criteria that contributes to the provision of quality accessible outdoor experience, but will summarise high-level output from existing standards, strategies, policies, and stakeholder engagement to inform decision-making.