We Asked, You Said, We Did

The Local Government Act (NI) requires Councils to ensure continuous improvement whilst carrying out their functions and delivering services. Councils are also required to set improvement objectives and put in place arrangements to achieve these.

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council is keen to ensure performance objectives have a positive impact on the quality of life for stakeholders across our Borough.

Council carried out a consultation to seek views on our draft performance improvement objectives for 2026 - 2027. The consultation closed on 02 April 2026 with 26 responses. Responses received were from both individuals and organisations and an analysis of the results shows that 88% to 100% of respondents agreed with our proposed objectives giving the assurance that the proposals are appropriate for the year ahead.

The suggestions, comments and feedback received have been passed to the relevant departments for consideration in line with business plans and service delivery plans.

The section below provides a brief update on how Council currently addresses the matters raised from the feedback. We recognise there is more work to be done and are committed to improving in these areas, as outlined within the Performance Improvement Plan 2026-27.

Public Consultation: Draft Heritage Strategy:

As part of the development of the Heritage Strategy, we wanted to hear the voices of our communities, regional stakeholders, industry professionals and all parties interested in heritage within the ABC Borough.

Between 22^nd December 2025 and 16^th March 2026, we asked a number of key questions to assess whether the draft Heritage Strategy addressed the key priorities of heritage within the ABC Borough, if the vision, objectives and themes were achievable, relevant and enhance heritage in the borough.

We received 109 responses, offering deep insights into this co-created strategy and helped developed the next phase of the Heritage Places Project.

Who Took Part?
65% of respondents were residents of the borough, showing strong personal interest and 17% responded on behalf of an organisation, project, or group. A large majority of respondents were from the BT60 area postcode with BT32 closely following. 

Summary of Key Findings:

• 69% of respondents agreed that the draft Heritage Strategy reflected their views on what the priorities for heritage should be in the next ten years in the ABC Borough
• 70% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the proposed vision is achievable and reflective of heritage needs within the Borough.
• 64% of respondents felt that the document was easy or very easy to read.
• 79% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the objectives are relevant and capable of enhancing heritage in the Borough.
• 80% agreed that the proposed actions in theme Establish & Advocate would contribute to positive change in the ABC Borough.
• 81% agreed that the proposed actions in theme Protect & Invest would contribute to positive change in the ABC Borough.
• 83% agreed that the proposed actions in theme Engage & Support would contribute to positive change in the ABC Borough.

"Organisations need simple, straightforward support to navigate all the endless hurdles on projects- a focused easily contactable, responsive team that is proactive in their support”.

"It's an ambitious vision. The proposed strategy moves in the right direction"

We considered all suggestions, ideas and thoughts and used your feedback to help inform and shape the final version of the Heritage Strategy.

We hope to launch the Heritage Strategy for the ABC Borough in late spring/early summer 2026.

We asked for your thoughts and opinions as to your experiences at the Armagh Georgian Festival. 

We received a wealth of feedback and thoughts from those who attended the events. This information is gratefully appreciated and will help with future plans. 

Survey feedback has been collated and will be reviewed for planning the 2026 events. A winner has also been picked in relation to the ABC giftcard and has been notified, pending receipt of voucher. We appreciate your time and consideration - thank you. 

We asked for your thoughts and opinions in relation ot the Halloweeh Ghost Tours 2025. 

The responses received were overwhelming positive with enthusiasm for the event. 

The results have been compiled into a report for internal review which will assist with 2026 programme. 

For your thoughts and opinions after attending the Dining in the Dark event. 

The rsesponses were very positive in relation to the event theme, promotion and delivery. 

The information and feedback received has been compiled into a report and will be used to assist with planning for 2026. We thank you for your time. 

For your thoughts and opinions on the Armagh City Summer Walking and Archbishop's Palace Walking Tours. 

Visitors provided a lot of useful and considered feedback relating to the tours, content and more. 

This information has been collated and will be reviewed in advance of the 2026 season. We thank you for your thoughts. 

We asked for your opinions relating to the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend 2025. 

Those who completed the survey provided a wealth of opinion relating to the weekend as a whole. These responses have been combined into a review document and will be considered in the whole when planning for 2026. 

The detailed responses provided by the contributers have been combined into a review document and will be considered in the whole when planning for 2026. We thank you for your time and consideration in providing feedback. 

What were your thoughts about the 7 Hills Blues Festival 2025?

Survey respondees provided a wealth of feedback which will provide useful in future planning. This included comments on performance scheduling, hospitality set up, range of musicians and more. 

7 Hills Blues Festival ran successfully at the beginning of August 2025. From feedback received, several areas for improvement were highlighted by visitors and these will be considered in future planning. We appreciate the views and time given by those who completed the survey. 

For your opinions on Buskfest 2025 as an event.

You provided a wealth of feedback which will help to shape our 2026 plans. 

Buskfest 2025 was largely successful in creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for performers, visitors, and local businesses. However, several areas for improvement were identified across all stakeholder groups and these will be considerered and added to planning for 2026 and beyond. 

The survey asked users to provide feedback on:

1. Which facility they use
2. Who they are as a user
3. Satisfaction with facilities & activities
4. Satisfaction with staff
5. Satisfaction with building condition
6. Demand for new activities or facilities
7. Any additional comments or suggestions

1. About the Facilities They Use

Respondents most frequently referenced Brownstown Community Centre, followed by Lurgan Town Hall, Tommy Makem Arts Centre, and Brownlow Hub. This shows where demand and engagement are highest.

2. Who They Are as Users

They told us they represent a mix of user groups:

• The biggest share were class/workshop/event attendees (50%)
• Followed by local residents, community group members, and senior citizens
  This shows diverse user engagement across facilities. 

3. Satisfaction With Facilities & Activities

You said:

• Toilets and value for money scored highest satisfaction.
• Equipment quality and parking were the biggest issues.
• Some weren’t aware of disability access features (20%+ “don’t know”).
• Dissatisfaction comments focused on outdated equipment, limited parking, booking difficulties, and lack of some activities.

4. Satisfaction With Council Staff

You said staff are a strong positive, with high satisfaction in:

• Helpfulness
• Availability
• Praise for named staff 
• Some noted limited staff presence at peak times 

5. Satisfaction With Buildings

You said:

• Heating and internal cleanliness are strong points.
• The weakest areas were general appearance and outside cleanliness.

6. Activities & Facilities they Want

You said:

• Most respondents (75%) did not require new activities, but those who did provided detailed suggestions.
• Requested activities included:
  • Youth programmes (tech, social, safety)
  • Fitness classes (yoga, bootcamp, Slimming World)
  • Arts/culture
  • Baby & toddler sessions
  • Cooking classe

7. Additional Comments

You said:

• Staff were praised frequently.
• Concerns focused on parking, equipment, maintenance, and poor advertising/promotion of activities.

1. Improvements to Equipment, Parking & Access

We did:

• Began a full equipment audit across all centres to prioritise repairs and replacements.
• Started a parking pressure review at the busiest sites (including Brownstown and Lurgan Town Hall) to identify capacity and alternative parking.

2. Programme Development & Activity Expansion

We did:

• Identified priority programme themes (wellbeing, youth, family, arts) based on survey demand through Community Wellbeing Programme.
• Initiated planning for pilot programmes in the most active centres (Socialise & Energies Programme).

3. Enhancements to Staff Availability & Customer Experience

We did:

• Shared positive feedback with staff teams to reinforce good practice, particularly at sites where individuals were specifically named and praised.
• Identified centres where additional training or support could further enhance customer experience.

4. Building Maintenance & Cleanliness Improvements

We did:

• Logged and prioritised maintenance tasks for key sites
• Reviewed external cleaning schedules to address dissatisfaction with outside cleanliness.

As part of the Home of St Patrick Festival we asked for your thoughts and opinions in relation to a variety of areas including the overall programme, opportunities for improvement and other considerations. 

From the responses provided,The Home of St Patrick Festival received positive feedback for its inclusivity and variety of events, catering to diverse audiences. Many attendees highlighted the enjoyable atmosphere, excellent music, and well-organized activities.

The information has now been compiled and will be reviewed by the Events Team in relation to preparations for the 2026 programme and beyond. 

Heritage Places Survey Summary

Between October 14 and December 20, 2024, we conducted a borough-wide survey to understand what heritage means to people in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough. We received an incredible 217 responses, offering deep insights into the community’s connection with heritage and their hopes for its future. 

Who Took Part?
90.32% of respondents were individuals, showing strong personal interest and 8.29% responded on behalf of an organisation, project, or group.

How Important is Heritage?
An overwhelming 89.4% of respondents said heritage is very important/ important to them. This reflects a strong cultural pride and a desire to protect and celebrate the borough’s unique history.

What Aspects of Heritage Matter Most?
Respondents ranked the most important elements of heritage, with the highest priorities being:
1.    Landscapes & Natural Spaces (95.86%)
2.    History (95.85%)
3.    Historic Buildings (94.47%)
4.    Traditions & Practices (93.09%)
5.    Craft Skills & People (91.71%)
6.    Arts & Culture (91.7%)
7.    Nature & Biodiversity (91.25%)
8.    Archaeology & Local Stories (89.4%)
9.    Music (88.02%)
10.    Food & Drink (84.34%)
11.    Celebrating Diverse Heritage (82.95%)
12.    Sporting Heritage (73.74%)
13.    Language (71.43%)

We are continue to progress with the results of this survey and are taking the feedback on board. We will endeavour to include this feedback into our future plans. 

In order to gain feedback on the Armagh Georgian Festival, a survey link was forwarded to all those who booked tickets for the relevant events. This was also shared on social media channels to encourage those who attended e.g. the markets or other unticketed events to provide their thoughts. 

From the reponses, we learnt that two-thirds of respondents were first time visitors to the Festival indicating the attractiveness of the programme to new markets.

The findings indicate that support and endorsement of the Festival remains at an extremely high level with a significant return on investment.

In particular, efforts to enhance accessibility, inclusion and sustainability continue apace. We will continue to consider all feedback and incorporate where appropriate into plans for 2025 and beyond. 

We asked for views on the effectiveness of the current toilet provision in Portadown

A total of 320 survey responses were received during the consultation period. The vast majority of those responding were residents of the Council area.

The consultation feedback has been taken on board and has been used to update the specification for the town centre toilet contract which is due for renewal ahead of the new financial year

The findings of this survey have helped inform the new procurement exercise for the provision of public toilets in Portadown Town Centre.

In order to gain feedback on the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend, a survey link was forwarded to all those who booked tickets for the relevant events. This was also shared on social media channels to encourage those who attended e.g. the markets or other unticketed events to provide their thoughts. 

There was strong endorsement of all aspects of the events. The atmosphere, settings/surroundings together with the quality of customer service and food and drink on offer were accorded particularly robust ratings.

 Opportunities to expand the range and variety of stalls was however noted together with requests for additional seating / table provision at the Cider in the City market in particular. These along with similar comments will be reviewed and considered for planning for 2025 and beyond. 

This Equality Action Plan has been designed to ensure that the Council fulfils its statutory obligations in compliance with section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Actions that have been included in the Equality Action Plan cut across the majority of Council functions and inequalities are addressed by each section 75 group and include associated performance indicators and timescales to address the inequalities identified.  The Council believes that the actions included in the plan are likely to have the biggest impact on equality of opportunity and good relations.  The actions contained within the Equality Action Plan reflect four of the priorities outlined in the Corporate Plan.  These are:

• Community Wellbeing – 11 actions
• Economic Growth – 1 action
• Service Delivery – 3 actions
• Staff, Leadership and Resources – 6 actions

In developing a new Audit of Inequalities and Equality Action Plan for the period 2024-2027 the following was undertaken:

• A review of previous audits and action plans and the plans of other Northern Ireland Public Authorities.
• There was consideration of the Council’s corporate priorities

• Engagement with the Council’s Inclusive ABC Working Group.
• Individual meetings with officers from the different service areas of Council in order to identify appropriate actions.

The consultation closed on 6 May 2024, and we received 1 response to the Equality Action Plan via the consultation hub and 17 written responses. 17 of these responses were from individuals and 1 was an organisational response. 

• 94% of you agreed with our community wellbeing actions. 
• 76% of you agreed with our Service Delivery Actions.
• 71% agreed with the Economic growth and Staff Leadership & Resources actions.

Comments and feedback were summarised and forwarded to relevant departments for consideration in line with their business plans and service delivery.  The relevant departments provided general feedback to the responses received to facilitate the ‘We asked, You said, We did’ facility, thereby closing the feedback loop on the consultation process.

In the section below, we provide a brief update on how Council currently addresses the matters raised from the feedback.  Not all proposed actions received additional comments.

Following further review by officers the first action within the Plan which relates to section 75 monitoring has been amended.

To view our final approved plan which is available on our website click here

Economic Growth

Under the ‘Economic Growth’ priority we have outlined the work of our Labour Market Partnership (LMP).  This partnership delivers programmes specifically aimed at women, disabled people, migrant workers and young people to help improve employment opportunities.

You said

“It is important to note that some individuals and communities face multiple disadvantages and therefore their problems are compounded.  Those from ethnic groups with low educational attainment and language barriers.  Those with disabilities living in rural areas etc.”

“This should also be aimed at ‘men’

Programmes which support those with barriers into work should also receive more investment”

“These are excellent programmes which make a real difference to people’s lives.  They would benefit from more than single year funding streams which would enable more strategic programmes offering longer term training to be developed”

“There are benefits for businesses in creating new or modified goods or services for the older consumer.  Supporting the silver economy benefits businesses and senior citizens”

‘Supporting the social enterprise economy is also important as they provide vital services and supported employment opportunities’.

‘I think you should also consider areas of deprivation, caring responsibilities (eldercare as well as childcare) and rurality.’

The key priorities for the LMP are upskilling, bridging skills gaps, supporting individuals into higher paid roles and supporting business growth. Our 24/25 Action Plan has 4 upskilling programmes under the theme of skilled labour supply.  Another key priority for the ABC LMP is creating tailored programmes for those within the section 75 groups. In the previous year we supported 22 disabled people into paid employment and to date 12 women who had been removed from the labour market for a number of years, back into employment. Improving work relevant skills was a key priority within all of these programmes, tailoring learning to the individuals needs and working with employers to ensure quality jobs with reasonable adjustments identified.

The gender economic inactivity gap in the ABC region has been consistently higher than the NI inactivity gap in every year since 2016 with the exception of 2018.  This means that the area consistently performs poorly with regard to Female Economic Inactivity.  Furthermore, the statistical analysis showed the gap is intensifying over time.  Whilst we have a range of programmes that are open to men and women, we have identified a women returners programme to support more women back into the labour market.  All of our other programmes are open to men and women. 

Our new Funding Hub presents all council grants available and allows residents, community groups and businesses (including social enterprises) in the borough to apply online.

The cost-of-living crisis and the ever-changing economic landscape has a direct impact on the labour market, where conditions are significantly altered.  Businesses have faced not just escalating costs during this period but increasing levels of risk and uncertainty.    The programmes adopted by the LMP will provide much needed support to the labour market at this challenging time. 

As a result of the analysis undertaken for this study the ABC Labour Market Partnership has identified that the 4 themes of disability, skilled labour supply, economic inactivity and unemployment will be prioritised for the next 3 years. The needs of the above groups were the subject of robust evaluation. This included a statistical analysis of the baseline scenario facing each group, direct engagement with stakeholders and a turning the curve exercise to assess the type and the extent of barriers faced by each disadvantaged group. 

Equality

A section 75 monitoring questionnaire was included on the consultation hub as part of the consultation exercise.  18% of respondents were male and 82% female.  In relation to the analysis of the other categories one respondent who completed the Section 75 analysis was a heterosexual female aged 45-54yrs, married/civil partnership, Irish, white, non-disabled.  All other respondents were members of a local community group who didn’t share any section 75 data apart from gender.  The comments received in relation to the equality screening exercise suggest that a small number of respondents have queried both the Council’s willingness and ability to address issues relating to the nine equality groups.  However, in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 the Council will continue to assess the impact of its policies on the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations and take appropriate action where necessary.

Rural Needs

In terms of the Rural Needs Impact, we were able to engage with rural consultees from a rural community group.  In accordance with the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 the Council will continue to have due regard to the social and economic needs of those living in rural areas when developing, adopting, implementing or revising policies, strategies and plans and when designing and delivering services.

As part of Council’s Capital Play Development Programme the play park in Drumbeg/Meadownbrook/Pinbank (Tullygally) has been designated for refurbishment, with an investment of £100,000

There are more children and young people living within the Meadowbrook/ Drumbeg areas and the Play Strategy has recommended relocating the existing Play Area to better meet the needs of an expanded area to include Meadowbrook and Drumbeg. 

Two sites were identifed and Council wanted to hear residents views on which site they feel would better suit the Neighbourhood Play Park which is designated for the Tullygally area

Council received 303 responses:

•  34.32 % opted for site one (the exsisting site).
•  65.68 % opted for site two (new site identified).

Council is therefore recommending that the new play facilities be located on site two; this site is owned by NIHE and Council are progressing with this matter at the moment.

A public meeting will be arranged to discuss this matter with the residents/community; the date for this meeting will be post on the Get Active & Council Facebook/website pages.

In our continuing effort to improve the quality of  play service provided by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, we carried out an online and postal survey to establish the number of children aged 0-14 years old in the Blackskull area that would avail of play facilities and how those children play.

Council received the following responses to the surveys:

Online survey – 59 responses received, total 133 children

Postal survey – 31 received, total  84 children

Therefore there are a total of 217 children in the local area.

It would be Council's recommendation to progress a new play park in the Blackskull area.  However, it should be noted that no site has been identified at present.

For feedback on current service provision and perception of value for money for getactiveabc memberships at the Orchard Leisure Centre to ensure the best possible service is provided to our customers.

A total of 34 people completed the Survey.

Over 70% of respondents rated their getactiveabc memberships as either excellent or good value for money.  The remaining 29% rated their membership as average in terms of value for money, but none of the surveyed customers rated their membership as ‘poor value for money’

Awareness rates of membership options was an area which was highlighted as needing to be addressed; 58% were aware how many people the family membership covered while 41% were unaware.

As a result of your feedback, we have ensured that more getactiveabc membership promotional material is now available as well as increased information posts on Facebook about family membership options. 

Question 1: Are you happy with the opening hours? 

Question 2 : Are you happy with the cleanliness of the facilities? 

Question 3: Are you happy with the condition of the sanitary ware in the facilities? 

Question 4: Are you happy for the provision for ALL user groups? 

Question 5: Are you happy with the location of the facilities?

Answer 1: 73% of respondents said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the opening hours, however, 15% were dissatisfied and 12% were very dissatisfied.

Answer 2: 58% of respondents said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the cleanliness of the facilities, however, 23% were dissatisfied and 18% were very dissatisfied.

Answer 3: 50% of respondents said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the condition of the sanitary ware in the facilities, however, 32% were dissatisfied and 18% were very dissatisfied.

Answer 4: 56% of respondents said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the provision for ALL user groups, however, 26% were dissatisfied and 19% were very dissatisfied.

Answer 5: 79% of respondents said that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the location of the facilities, however 14% were dissatisfied and 7% were very dissatisfied.

As a result of this we plan to:

• Develop a budgeted schedule of future planned maintenance works.  
• Investigate the possibility of starting a Community Toilet Scheme.
• Continue to explore new ways of working, innovation and technologies to support customers needs and expectations of a modern, efficient and streamlined service.  
• Conduct regular reviews of the toilet facilities across the Borough.