2.1 What impact will the proposal have on the local community including:

Education

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to education.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific educational benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• 200 people participating in employment and skills programmes by 31 March 2025.
• 100 participants gaining employment via employment academies by 31 March 2025.
• 150 participants securing qualifications by 31 March 2025.
• MEA Aqua Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan (including the expansion of toddler and disability sessions) delivered by 31 March 2025.
• 4 additional Autism Champions developed within Council by 30 September 2024.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.

Health

Positive

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to health.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific health benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• MEA Aqua Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan (including the expansion of toddler and disability sessions) delivered by 31 March 2025.
• MEA Age-Friendly Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan launched by 30 June 2024.
• An Older Person’s Forum established by 31 December 2024.
• MEA Age-Friendly Year 2 Action Plan confirmed by 28 February 2025.
• Autism-Friendly Action Plans implemented in 4 Council venues by 30 September 2024.
• 4 additional Autism Champions developed within Council by 30 September 2024.
• An Autism-Awareness initiative Communications Plan developed by 30 September 2024.
• 4 arts and culture events delivered to address loneliness and improve accessibility by 31 March 2025.
• 12 outdoor events to involve a wide range of abilities by 31 March 2025.
• Attendance at Poverty Action Group meetings and support of initiatives.

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Clough playpark completed by 31 May 2024.
• Marine Gardens playpark completed by 31 August 2024.
• Larne Skate Park completed by 31 October 2024.
• 2 additional new or refurbished playparks completed by 31 March 2025.
• Carnlough, Glynn and Portglenone MUGAs or kickabouts completed by 30 June 2024.
• Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 2G pitch upgraded to 3G by 31 July 2024.
• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.

Housing

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in housing.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific housing benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• A processing time for major planning applications within an average of 30 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• A processing time for local planning applications within an average of 15 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 70% of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by 31 March 2025.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.
• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.

Transport

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to transport.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific transport benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 30 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.

Place Making, Community & Culture

Positive

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to place making, community and culture.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific place making, community and culture benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• 240 participants supported through start-up assistance via Go Succeed by 31 March 2025.
• 107 jobs promoted through business start interventions by 31 March 2025.
• At least 3 new Manufacturing Task Force members by 31 March 2025.
• £40,000 of Task Force member’s in-kind time contributions by 31 March 2025.
• MEA Aqua Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan (including the expansion of toddler and disability sessions) delivered by 31 March 2025.
• MEA Age-Friendly Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan launched by 30 June 2024.
• An Older Person’s Forum established by 31 December 2024.
• MEA Age-Friendly Year 2 Action Plan confirmed by 28 February 2025.
• Autism-Friendly Action Plans implemented in 4 Council venues by 30 September 2024.
• 4 additional Autism Champions developed within Council by 30 September 2024.
• An Autism-Awareness initiative Communications Plan developed by 30 September 2024.
• 4 arts and culture events delivered to address loneliness and improve accessibility by 31 March 2025.
• 12 outdoor events to involve a wide range of abilities by 31 March 2025.
• Attendance at Poverty Action Group meetings and support of initiatives.

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Clough playpark completed by 31 May 2024.
• Marine Gardens playpark completed by 31 August 2024.
• Larne Skate Park completed by 31 October 2024.
• 2 additional new or refurbished playparks completed by 31 March 2025.
• Carnlough, Glynn and Portglenone MUGAs or kickabouts completed by 30 June 2024.
• Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 2G pitch upgraded to 3G by 31 July 2024.
• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.
• Sound systems installed in Ballymena and Carrickfergus town centres by 30 June 2024.
• 2 street art schemes in Ballymena and Larne town centres by 31 July 2024.
• Feature lighting installed in Ballymena and Larne town centres by 30 September 2024.
• Additional funding application submitted to the Department for Communities by 30 September 2024.
• 25 businesses or groups utilising Pop-Up Shop opportunities by 31 March 2025.
• 15 events or activities held within Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne town centres by 31 March 2025.
• 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus by 31 May 2024.
• Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use in Carrickfergus by 30 June 2024.
• Closing event and publication issued on the Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative by 30 June 2024.
• Neighbourhood Tourism Scheme launched by 31 October 2024.
• 3 local Neighbourhood Tourism participants by 31 March 2025.
• A processing time for major planning applications within an average of 30 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• A processing time for local planning applications within an average of 15 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 70% of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by 31 March 2025.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 30 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.
• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

2.2 What impact will the proposals have on sustainable food systems including:

Seasonal and local produce

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to seasonal and local produce.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific seasonal and local produce benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• Attendance at Poverty Action Group meetings and support of initiatives.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.

Nutritional value

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to nutritional value.

The following Improvement Objective has specific nutritional value benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• Attendance at Poverty Action Group meetings and support of initiatives.

Animal welfare

No impact

Environmental impact

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to environmental impact.

The following Improvement Objective has specific environmental benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Sound systems installed in Ballymena and Carrickfergus town centres by 30 June 2024.
• 2 street art schemes in Ballymena and Larne town centres by 31 July 2024.
• Feature lighting installed in Ballymena and Larne town centres by 30 September 2024.
• Additional funding application submitted to the Department for Communities by 30 September 2024.
• 25 businesses or groups utilising Pop-Up Shop opportunities by 31 March 2025.
• 15 events or activities held within Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne town centres by 31 March 2025.
• 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus by 31 May 2024.
• Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use in Carrickfergus by 30 June 2024.
• Closing event and publication issued on the Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative by 30 June 2024.
• Neighbourhood Tourism Scheme launched by 31 October 2024.
• 3 local Neighbourhood Tourism participants by 31 March 2025.

These measures will encourage people to shop locally and reduce carbon footprint. 

2.3 What impact will the proposals have on diversity and equality?

Equal opportunity

Comment:

In accordance with the Section 75 requirements of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), whereby Council must carry out its functions having due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and regard for the desirability to promote good relations, this Performance Improvement Plan has been subject to an equality screening. The screening did not identify any major adverse effects on any Section 75 category or requirements for mitigation and therefore determined that there was no necessity to conduct a full equality impact assessment.

In accordance with the Rural Needs Act Northern Ireland (2016), Council has given due regard to rural needs by carrying out a rural needs impact assessment of this plan.

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to equal opportunity.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific equal opportunity benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• 200 people participating in employment and skills programmes by 31 March 2025.
• 100 participants gaining employment via employment academies by 31 March 2025.
• 150 participants securing qualifications by 31 March 2025.
• MEA Aqua Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan (including the expansion of toddler and disability sessions) delivered by 31 March 2025.
• MEA Age-Friendly Strategy and Year 1 Action Plan launched by 30 June 2024.
• An Older Person’s Forum established by 31 December 2024.
• MEA Age-Friendly Year 2 Action Plan confirmed by 28 February 2025.
• Autism-Friendly Action Plans implemented in 4 Council venues by 30 September 2024.
• 4 additional Autism Champions developed within Council by 30 September 2024.
• An Autism-Awareness initiative Communications Plan developed by 30 September 2024.
• 4 arts and culture events delivered to address loneliness and improve accessibility by 31 March 2025.
• 12 outdoor events to involve a wide range of abilities by 31 March 2025.
• Attendance at Poverty Action Group meetings and support of initiatives.

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Clough playpark completed by 31 May 2024.
• Marine Gardens playpark completed by 31 August 2024.
• Larne Skate Park completed by 31 October 2024.
• 2 additional new or refurbished playparks completed by 31 March 2025.
• Carnlough, Glynn and Portglenone MUGAs or kickabouts completed by 30 June 2024.
• Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 2G pitch upgraded to 3G by 31 July 2024.
• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.

2.4 What impact will the proposals have on economic wellbeing including:

Decent jobs & Income

Positive

he Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to decent jobs and income.

The following Improvement Objective has specific decent jobs and income benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• 240 participants supported through start-up assistance via Go Succeed by 31 March 2025.
• 107 jobs promoted through business start interventions by 31 March 2025.
• At least 3 new Manufacturing Task Force members by 31 March 2025.
• £40,000 of Task Force member’s in-kind time contributions by 31 March 2025.
• 200 people participating in employment and skills programmes by 31 March 2025.
• 100 participants gaining employment via employment academies by 31 March 2025.
• 150 participants securing qualifications by 31 March 2025.

Social Value

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to social value.

The following Improvement Objective has specific social value benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• 240 participants supported through start-up assistance via Go Succeed by 31 March 2025.
• 107 jobs promoted through business start interventions by 31 March 2025.
• At least 3 new Manufacturing Task Force members by 31 March 2025.
• £40,000 of Task Force member’s in-kind time contributions by 31 March 2025.
• 200 people participating in employment and skills programmes by 31 March 2025.
• 100 participants gaining employment via employment academies by 31 March 2025.
• 150 participants securing qualifications by 31 March 2025.

Human and Labour Rights

No impact

2.5 What impact will the proposals have on ‘greenhouse gas emissions’ including from:

Removal of natural carbon sinks

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to removal of natural carbon sinks.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific benefits and impacts to ensure there is no removal of natural carbon sinks, by promoting nature and biodiversity, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.
• A processing time for major planning applications within an average of 30 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• A processing time for local planning applications within an average of 15 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 70% of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by 31 March 2025.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 6 energy-saving projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• 4 clean energy projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• Approximately 77,000kg CO₂e savings by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving – 1.5m kg).
• Approximately £80,000 savings through energy projects by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving - £1.6m).
• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 31 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.
• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.
• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

Energy

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to energy.

The following Improvement Objective has specific energy benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 6 energy-saving projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• 4 clean energy projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• Approximately 77,000kg CO₂e savings by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving – 1.5m kg).
• Approximately £80,000 savings through energy projects by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving - £1.6m).
• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 30 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.
• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

Transport

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to transport.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific transport benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 31 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.

Embodied carbon

Mixed impact

The following objective has the potential to have either a positive or negative impact on embodied carbon:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Clough playpark completed by 31 May 2024.
• Marine Gardens playpark completed by 31 August 2024.
• Larne Skate Park completed by 31 October 2024.
• 2 additional new or refurbished playparks completed by 31 March 2025.
• Carnlough, Glynn and Portglenone MUGAs or kickabouts completed by 30 June 2024.
• Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 2G pitch upgraded to 3G by 31 July 2024.
• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.
• 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus by 31 May 2024.

It is more likely to have a low impact as regeneration projects require measures to improve sustainability and will be included in design and delivery. New build, extensions or refurbishment projects in excess of £1,000,000 and 1000m² will subject to a formal assessment and will be expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of “Very Good” or “Excellent” where appropriate. Specific capital projects being delivered by Council will be assessed to PassiveHaus Standard.

2.6 What impact will the proposals have on waste in terms of:

Waste generation

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to waste generation.

The following Improvement Objective has specific waste generation benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

Waste management

Positive

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to waste management.

The following Improvement Objective has specific waste management benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.

• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.
• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

2.7 What impact will the proposals have on the direct consumption of natural resources including:

Materials

No impact

Minerals

No impact

Fresh water

No impact

2.8 What impact will the proposals have on resilience to the adverse effects of:

Climate change and severe weather

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to climate change and severe weather.

The following Improvement Objective has specific climate change and severe weather benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 6 energy-saving projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• 4 clean energy projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• Approximately 77,000kg CO₂e savings by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving – 1.5m kg).
• Approximately £80,000 savings through energy projects by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving - £1.6m).
• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 30 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.
• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.
• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

2.9 What impact will the proposals have on the environment including:

Environmental management

No impact

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to environmental management.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific environmental management benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• A processing time for major planning applications within an average of 30 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• A processing time for local planning applications within an average of 15 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 70% of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by 31 March 2025.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.
• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.

Air pollution

No impact

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to air pollution.

The following Improvement Objective has specific air pollution benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 4 clean energy projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• Approximately 77,000kg CO₂e savings by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving – 1.5m kg).
• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 30 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.
• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.

Ozone layer depletion

No impact

Comment:

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to ozone layer depletion.

The following Improvement Objective has specific ozone layer depletion benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 6 energy-saving projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• 4 clean energy projects delivered by 31 March 2025.
• Approximately 77,000kg CO₂e savings by 31 March 2025 (lifecycle saving – 1.5m kg).
• 12 fast chargers procured through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) by 31 September 2024.
• Installation date for ORCS chargers confirmed by 31 March 2025.
• 6 upgraded charge stations through ESB Networks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 50% of household waste collected sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.
• A maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.
• Less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.
• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 10 community engagement sessions held on Waste and Recycling, and Climate and Sustainability by 31 March 2025.
• Support for the Eco-Schools programme, with a 5% increase in the number of schools with Green Flags by 30 June 2025.
• Delivery of 5 circular economy waste initiatives by 31 March 2025.

Water / soil pollution

No impact

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to water/soil pollution.

The following Improvement Objective has specific water/soil pollution benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by 31 October 2024.
• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.

Chemical pollution

No impact

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to chemical pollution.

The following Improvement Objective has specific chemical pollution benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• Re-certification of International Management Standard ISO14001 by 30 August 2024.
• A minimum of Gold Status in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey by 30 November 2024.
• Gaps identified in the 2023 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey addressed by

Noise pollution

The following objective may create a temporary noise nuisance, but it will be managed accordingly and kept to a minimum:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Clough playpark completed by 31 May 2024.
• Marine Gardens playpark completed by 31 August 2024.
• Larne Skate Park completed by 31 October 2024.
• 2 additional new or refurbished playparks completed by 31 March 2025.
• Carnlough, Glynn and Portglenone MUGAs or kickabouts completed by 30 June 2024.
• Carrickfergus Amphitheatre 2G pitch upgraded to 3G by 31 July 2024.
• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.
• Sound systems installed in Ballymena and Carrickfergus town centres by 30 June 2024.
• 2 street art schemes in Ballymena and Larne town centres by 31 July 2024.
• Feature lighting installed in Ballymena and Larne town centres by 30 September 2024.
• Additional funding application submitted to the Department for Communities by 30 September 2024.
• 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus by 31 May 2024.

Land conversion

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to land conversion.

The following Improvement Objective has specific land conversion benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• A processing time for major planning applications within an average of 30 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• A processing time for local planning applications within an average of 15 weeks by 31 March 2025.
• At least 70% of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by 31 March 2025.

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to built heritage.

The following Improvement Objective has specific built heritage benefits and impacts, and includes the detailed deliverables and targets:

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored in Carrickfergus by 31 May 2024.
• Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use in Carrickfergus by 30 June 2024.
• Closing event and publication issued on the Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative by 30 June 2024.

The Performance Improvement Plan is envisioned to have a positive impact in relation to natural heritage and biodiversity.

The following Improvement Objectives have specific natural heritage and biodiversity benefits and impacts, and include the detailed deliverables and targets:

People – We will work with partners to improve the lives of citizens.

• 12 outdoor events to involve a wide range of abilities by 31 March 2025.

Place – We will maintain and improve our local areas.

• Phase 1 of the Cullybackey to Galgorm Greenway completed by 30 September 2025.
• Development of Carnfunnock Country Park completed by 31 March 2026.

Planet – We will reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability.

• 5000 trees planted within the borough by 31 March 2025.