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11/10/2024
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."
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."
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."
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21 September 2022
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Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of health and social care staff, firefighters and community representatives who support residents of Rathlin Island. The Minister visited the island where he met members of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) as well as the local nursing team and volunteer firefighters.
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Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of health and social care staff, firefighters and community representatives who support residents of Rathlin Island. The Minister visited the island where he met members of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) as well as the local nursing team and volunteer firefighters.
06 January 2023
Further Strike Dates Announced For Rathlin Island Ferry Workers
Unite the union has called on the Department for Infrastructure to intervene and ensure workers on the ferry service between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island receive a cost of living pay increase and avoid further disruption to residents and economy of Northern Ireland's largest island.
Further Strike Dates Announced For Rathlin Island Ferry Workers
Unite the union has called on the Department for Infrastructure to intervene and ensure workers on the ferry service between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island receive a cost of living pay increase and avoid further disruption to residents and economy of Northern Ireland's largest island.
12 November 2014
Man Rescued By Helicopter from Rathlin Island
A man in his 70s has been airlifted to hospital after becoming trapped in his 4x4 on Rathlin Island in County Antrim. The man's vehicle went off road and rolled down an embankment onto the shoreline near Ballynagard Cottages at about 07:00 on Wednesday morning.
Man Rescued By Helicopter from Rathlin Island
A man in his 70s has been airlifted to hospital after becoming trapped in his 4x4 on Rathlin Island in County Antrim. The man's vehicle went off road and rolled down an embankment onto the shoreline near Ballynagard Cottages at about 07:00 on Wednesday morning.
02 April 2012
Construction Begins On Rathlin Island Social Homes
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland MLA today officially started construction of ten new social homes on Rathlin Island. The new homes are situated at Church Bay and are the first social homes to be built on the Island in 18 years.
Construction Begins On Rathlin Island Social Homes
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland MLA today officially started construction of ten new social homes on Rathlin Island. The new homes are situated at Church Bay and are the first social homes to be built on the Island in 18 years.
14 July 2006
Woman airlifted from Rathlin Island
A pregnant woman has been airlifted to hospital from Rathlin Island, off the north Antrim coast, after there were complications when she went into labour. A helicopter from RAF Prestwick in Scotland was dispatched to the island at around 3.30am, after a request for assistance from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Woman airlifted from Rathlin Island
A pregnant woman has been airlifted to hospital from Rathlin Island, off the north Antrim coast, after there were complications when she went into labour. A helicopter from RAF Prestwick in Scotland was dispatched to the island at around 3.30am, after a request for assistance from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
