Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
11 October 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).
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).
20 July 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.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
