Ards and North Down Borough Council Launches Equality and Disability Action Plans
Released: Friday 8 May 2026
Ards and North Down Borough Council has formally launched its new Equality Action Plan and Disability Action Plan, setting out clear commitments to reduce barriers, improve accessibility and strengthen engagement across the Borough.
The plans were launched at the May Meeting of the Disability Forum where members, elected representatives, council officers and partners came together to mark a significant step forward in embedding equality and inclusion into everyday council services and decision making.
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Members of the Disability Forum, alongside elected members and the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, gather to launch the new Equality Action Plan and Disability Action Plan.
Disability Action Plan Launch
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:
"This is about more than the publication of two important documents - it is about people, partnership and progress. I want to sincerely thank the members of the Disability Forum for the time, commitment and honesty they have brought to this work. Their lived experience has helped shape plans that are grounded in reality, not theory. While the process has not always been easy, it has been essential in creating stronger, more meaningful and more accountable plans. These Action Plans commit us not just to action, but to ongoing dialogue, open review of our progress, and ensuring equality considerations are embedded across everything we do."
The Equality and Disability Action Plans set out practical and measurable actions focused on reducing barriers to access, improving accessibility across council services and facilities, strengthening engagement with residents and stakeholders, and embedding equality across all areas of council work.
Council officers and partners were also acknowledged for their role in developing the plans and for their responsibility in delivering and monitoring progress in the years ahead.
The Equality Action Plan and Disability Action Plan are available to view here - Equality and Disability - Ards and North Down Borough Council
