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30/03/2006
Rathlin Ferry to begin early tourist season sailings
Visitors to Rathlin will be welcomed early this year as the new summer timetable for the island's ferry service will commence a month earlier than usual.
In an initiative to boost visitors to Rathlin island off Northern Ireland's north coast, the Department for Regional Development has agreed a summer timetable for four daily return sailings from Ballycastle to the island that will begin on 31 March 2006 - a month earlier than in previous years.
The Rathlin ferry service is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) with subsidy from the Department and the timetable move follows discussions between Calmac and interested parties, including the local community on Rathlin Island, in an attempt to attract additional visitors to the island between April and June.
The Department hopes that the attraction of Rathlin’s rich history and wildlife will draw new visitor markets during the spring period, particularly school parties.
Commenting on the move Calmac’s Managing Director, Lawrie Sinclair said: “We’re committed to developing Rathlin Island ’s potential as a tourism destination as well as maintaining the lifeline service we provide for the Rathlin islanders. The extension of the timetable will enhance the lifeline service we provide and hopefully make Rathlin more accessible for visitors, particularly for new target markets.”
Calmac has been operating the Rathlin Ferry Service on behalf of the Department for Regional Development since 1996.
The current contract was recently extended for a further one-year period.
(SP/KMcA)
In an initiative to boost visitors to Rathlin island off Northern Ireland's north coast, the Department for Regional Development has agreed a summer timetable for four daily return sailings from Ballycastle to the island that will begin on 31 March 2006 - a month earlier than in previous years.
The Rathlin ferry service is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) with subsidy from the Department and the timetable move follows discussions between Calmac and interested parties, including the local community on Rathlin Island, in an attempt to attract additional visitors to the island between April and June.
The Department hopes that the attraction of Rathlin’s rich history and wildlife will draw new visitor markets during the spring period, particularly school parties.
Commenting on the move Calmac’s Managing Director, Lawrie Sinclair said: “We’re committed to developing Rathlin Island ’s potential as a tourism destination as well as maintaining the lifeline service we provide for the Rathlin islanders. The extension of the timetable will enhance the lifeline service we provide and hopefully make Rathlin more accessible for visitors, particularly for new target markets.”
Calmac has been operating the Rathlin Ferry Service on behalf of the Department for Regional Development since 1996.
The current contract was recently extended for a further one-year period.
(SP/KMcA)
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Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has secured £2m in funding to allow a project for two new ferries to operate in Northern Ireland. One will operate on the Ballycastle/Rathlin Island route, and the other will be on the Strangford/Portaferry route.
21 September 2022
Health Minister Praises Community Staff On Rathlin Island
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.
Health Minister Praises Community Staff On Rathlin Island
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.
12 January 2023
Dunaverty Announced As New Rathlin Ferry Operator
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A new operator has been announced for the Rathlin Island ferry, just days after Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd ceased trading. The Department for Infrastructure announced that Dunaverty Limited will take over operation of the Rathlin Island to Ballycastle route.
06 January 2023
Further Strike Dates Announced For Rathlin Island Ferry Workers
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Further Strike Dates Announced For Rathlin Island Ferry Workers
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07 July 2014
Local Firm Secures Rathlin Ferry Contract
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has revealed that Rathlin Island Ferry Limited (RIFL) has won a contract to operate a ferry service between the Island and Ballycastle. Minister Kennedy said: "I congratulate Rathlin Island Ferry Limited on their successful bid that now sees the company secure the ferry operation until 2016.
Local Firm Secures Rathlin Ferry Contract
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has revealed that Rathlin Island Ferry Limited (RIFL) has won a contract to operate a ferry service between the Island and Ballycastle. Minister Kennedy said: "I congratulate Rathlin Island Ferry Limited on their successful bid that now sees the company secure the ferry operation until 2016.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
