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09/09/2009
Rathlin Express Launched
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has officially launched the new high-speed Rathlin Island ferry - the Rathlin Express - today.
The ferry is a 17-metre, twin engine, double-deck catamaran with a passenger capacity of almost 100. It can complete the crossing in 20 minutes.
The Rathlin Express replaces the St Sorney, which has a capacity of 38, as the passenger only vessel on the route.
The Minister said: "I welcome this modern, faster, and more frequent ferry service which has already been positively received by both islanders and visitors. I'm committed to improving the provision of public services to the island and have championed the development of an executive policy for Rathlin. The launch of the Rathlin Express is a major step forward in developing this vibrant island community.
"I congratulate Rathlin Island Ferry Limited on their investment of £1 million in this ferry which increases the passenger capacity by a third. It's encouraging that there has already been a significant growth in the number of passengers since the operator began offering an enhanced timetable, of around 2,500 extra visitors, in one month alone. This increased number of visitors using the ferry service will make a positive contribution towards the Rathlin economy and the future sustainability of the island."
New infrastructure has also been put in place to facilitate the Rathlin Express including new pontoons at both harbours and a new passenger facility for Rathlin. The Rathlin Express is wheelchair accessible. The operator has also improved the service by introducing online ticketing and a new text alert system for frequent users.
(KMcA/GK)
The ferry is a 17-metre, twin engine, double-deck catamaran with a passenger capacity of almost 100. It can complete the crossing in 20 minutes.
The Rathlin Express replaces the St Sorney, which has a capacity of 38, as the passenger only vessel on the route.
The Minister said: "I welcome this modern, faster, and more frequent ferry service which has already been positively received by both islanders and visitors. I'm committed to improving the provision of public services to the island and have championed the development of an executive policy for Rathlin. The launch of the Rathlin Express is a major step forward in developing this vibrant island community.
"I congratulate Rathlin Island Ferry Limited on their investment of £1 million in this ferry which increases the passenger capacity by a third. It's encouraging that there has already been a significant growth in the number of passengers since the operator began offering an enhanced timetable, of around 2,500 extra visitors, in one month alone. This increased number of visitors using the ferry service will make a positive contribution towards the Rathlin economy and the future sustainability of the island."
New infrastructure has also been put in place to facilitate the Rathlin Express including new pontoons at both harbours and a new passenger facility for Rathlin. The Rathlin Express is wheelchair accessible. The operator has also improved the service by introducing online ticketing and a new text alert system for frequent users.
(KMcA/GK)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
