Rathlin Island's Natural Beauty 'Could Attract More Visitors'

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd believes Rathlin Island's unique offering of three lighthouses and its rich natural environment could attract visitors from far and wide.

Minister O'Dowd made the comments during a visit to the island where he met with representatives of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA).

Following the visit, the Minister praised Rathlin's environment and culture, stating that a trip to the island is always memorable. He also expressed his pleasure at visiting the East Light during a previous trip and welcomed the opportunity to learn about RDCA's plans for the site.

Additionally, Minister O'Dowd met with representatives of Future Island-Island, who discussed the potential socio-economic benefits they can bring to Rathlin through their work with universities and PhD students.

The Minister continued: "It is clear that there is a real passion within the community to move projects forward including the integration of renewable energy into the development work on the island to support Rathlin's wider net zero ambitions." The Minister also met with members of the LIFE Raft project and visited a bait laying station to see their work first hand with the assistance of Woody the biosecurity detection dog.

Minister added: "There are clearly so many inspiring visitor experiences on offer here and by working together we have the potential to develop those and make Rathlin the place to visit; to share the history of this unique and special place and, also, to look to the island's future by sharing the story of the island's green ambitions.

"I remain firmly committed to working with the Rathlin community and other key stakeholders to implement the Executive's Rathlin Island Policy and explore opportunities to ensure the continued sustainability of island life."

Chair of RDCA Michael Cecil said: "I was delighted to welcome Minister O'Dowd back to Rathlin again today. He has a real enthusiasm to drive the Island Policy forward and to see the island develop. I look forward to continuing our work with Minister and his Department to help turn our vision of a sustainable living and working environment into reality."