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20/07/2009
Rathlin Gets Speedy Link
A new express ferry service to one of Ireland's few remaining inhabited islands has been making a splash today.
The Rathlin Express Catamaran arrived at the island's harbour with 100 passengers for the first time today.
The proprietor, Ciarán O’Driscoll won the ferry contract for the service from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island, ironically as he comes from Cape Clear Island - Ireland's most southerly island - given that Rathlin is the most northerly one.
"The introduction of a new fast passenger service between Rathlin and Ballycastle will enhance the tourism product in both centres," said Mr O’Driscoll.
The operator will be Rathlin Island Ferry Limited as part of the O'Driscoll company which already runs two ferry services to the West Cork Islands of Whiddy Island and Cape Clear Island.
Mr O’Driscoll continued: "Having been born and bred on an island I am very aware of the challenges that islanders face.
"Access is the most important aspect as this is our lifeline for everything.
"Improved ferry services will improve the life standard of the islanders all year round.
"Employment is another critical consideration for island dwellers and I do not envisage any staff reductions; indeed I would foresee a need for additional recruitment as the business develops," he said.
The catamaran will make the crossing between Ballycastle and Rathlin in approximately 20 minutes.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The Rathlin Express Catamaran arrived at the island's harbour with 100 passengers for the first time today.
The proprietor, Ciarán O’Driscoll won the ferry contract for the service from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island, ironically as he comes from Cape Clear Island - Ireland's most southerly island - given that Rathlin is the most northerly one.
"The introduction of a new fast passenger service between Rathlin and Ballycastle will enhance the tourism product in both centres," said Mr O’Driscoll.
The operator will be Rathlin Island Ferry Limited as part of the O'Driscoll company which already runs two ferry services to the West Cork Islands of Whiddy Island and Cape Clear Island.
Mr O’Driscoll continued: "Having been born and bred on an island I am very aware of the challenges that islanders face.
"Access is the most important aspect as this is our lifeline for everything.
"Improved ferry services will improve the life standard of the islanders all year round.
"Employment is another critical consideration for island dwellers and I do not envisage any staff reductions; indeed I would foresee a need for additional recruitment as the business develops," he said.
The catamaran will make the crossing between Ballycastle and Rathlin in approximately 20 minutes.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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30 March 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.
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.
19 October 2010
Rathlin Venue For Cross Border Meeting
There has been a cross-border executive meeting with a difference - offshore in one of Ireland's dwindling number of inhabited islands. The Stormont Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy warmly welcomed Minister Pat Carey, the Dáil TD, to Rathlin Island on Saturday.
Rathlin Venue For Cross Border Meeting
There has been a cross-border executive meeting with a difference - offshore in one of Ireland's dwindling number of inhabited islands. The Stormont Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy warmly welcomed Minister Pat Carey, the Dáil TD, to Rathlin Island on Saturday.
12 January 2023
Dunaverty Announced As New Rathlin Ferry Operator
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.
Dunaverty Announced As New Rathlin Ferry Operator
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
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.
22 October 2013
New Ferries For Strangford And Rathlin
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.
New Ferries For Strangford And Rathlin
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.
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