Other News In Brief

Rathlin Island Ferry Summer Timetable Extended Following Consultation

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced the summer timetable for the Rathlin Island Ferry Service, which will operate from Monday, 14th April to Tuesday, 30th September 2025.

A key feature of this year's timetable is the introduction of an additional return crossing on both Saturdays and Sundays. This new service will depart Rathlin Island at 8:30 am and Ballycastle at 9:30 am.

The decision to add these weekend crossings follows a consultation process conducted by the ferry operator, Dunaverty Ltd, with the Rathlin Development Community Association. Feedback from the community indicated a specific need for earlier weekend services to accommodate staff working in the hospitality sector on the island.

Minister Kimmins welcomed the enhanced timetable, stating: "I am happy to confirm this new summer schedule to help address needs identified by the community during consultation."

She also highlighted the alignment of this initiative with her Department's broader objectives. "Improving the inclusiveness of our society, through a person-centred approach to travel, is one of my Department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future," Minister Kimmins said. "This extended timetable has come about as a direct result of listening to community feedback and it is good to see this tangible, positive delivery on the Foundations vision."

Man Charged Following £425,000 Cannabis Seizure In Larne

A 46-year-old man has been charged with drug offences after a significant quantity of suspected cannabis was seized in Larne. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has charged a 46-year-old man with possession of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

The charges follow an operation by detectives from the PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch, who stopped a man driving a HGV after he travelled from the area of Larne Harbour on Saturday, 29th March. During the stop, officers seized suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of approximately £425,000.

As is standard procedure in such cases, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Sinn Féin Welcomes PEACEPLUS Funding For Border Communities

Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has praised the allocation of over €46 million in PEACEPLUS funding for border communities across the island of Ireland. The investment is earmarked to benefit approximately 25,000 people through the development of new rural facilities and services.

The funding will support seven key projects, focusing on areas such as family support hubs, social enterprise initiatives, green infrastructure development, and social farming programmes. The projects aim to improve the quality of life for residents in these border regions.

Áine Murphy, Sinn Féin's rural communities spokesperson, said: "People living in border communities deserve access to first-class opportunities and services, and this announcement is a welcome boost. This funding will help to improve the health and wellbeing of local families and further connect those who live in Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. Sinn Féin will continue working to improve the lives of people living in border areas and build a brighter, better future for all."