01/09/2025
Minister Muir Praises Nature Projects On Rathlin Island
Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has visited Rathlin Island to observe the progress of several projects.
During his trip, he learned about a conservation initiative to protect seabirds and plans to open a community hub at the East Lighthouse.
The Minister was briefed on the LIFE Raft project, which began in 2021. The project's goal is to remove rats and ferrets from the island that have been preying on nesting seabirds, including burrow-nesting puffins. Minister Muir described the project as a "truly inspiring nature restoration project" that will have a "transformative impact" on the island's seabirds. He praised the cooperation between his department, the RSPB, and the local community, stating that success on Rathlin would be a first for an island ecosystem.
Minister Muir also toured the East Lighthouse with the Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA). The Rathlin Island European Marine Sites and Environmental Forum (RIEMSEF) is leading a project to redevelop the lighthouse into a tourist attraction and community hub. The Minister said the site had "incredible potential" and expressed his eagerness to hear about its progress.
In addition to these projects, Minister Muir met with local farmers and representatives from the Rathlin Crab and Lobster fisheries to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of island life. He thanked the community for their welcome and paid tribute to their dedication to the island.
During his trip, he learned about a conservation initiative to protect seabirds and plans to open a community hub at the East Lighthouse.
Minister Muir also toured the East Lighthouse with the Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA). The Rathlin Island European Marine Sites and Environmental Forum (RIEMSEF) is leading a project to redevelop the lighthouse into a tourist attraction and community hub. The Minister said the site had "incredible potential" and expressed his eagerness to hear about its progress.
In addition to these projects, Minister Muir met with local farmers and representatives from the Rathlin Crab and Lobster fisheries to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of island life. He thanked the community for their welcome and paid tribute to their dedication to the island.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 February 2025
Minister Launch Joint Creative Connections Programme
Education Minister Paul Givan and Ireland's Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, have launched Creative Connections, a new pilot programme that will see schools in Northern Ireland and Ireland collaborate on creative learning projects.
Minister Launch Joint Creative Connections Programme
Education Minister Paul Givan and Ireland's Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, have launched Creative Connections, a new pilot programme that will see schools in Northern Ireland and Ireland collaborate on creative learning projects.
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.
15 February 2007
Unprecedented levels of infrastructure investment
Minister of State, David Hanson, has today highlighted the unprecedented levels of infrastructure investment that governments North and South of the border are committing to spend over the next decade.
Unprecedented levels of infrastructure investment
Minister of State, David Hanson, has today highlighted the unprecedented levels of infrastructure investment that governments North and South of the border are committing to spend over the next decade.
14 October 2025
First Asian Hornet Sighting Confirmed In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland. The insect, also known as the Yellow-legged hornet, was captured by a member of the public in the Dundonald area of Belfast on Friday, 10 October.
First Asian Hornet Sighting Confirmed In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland. The insect, also known as the Yellow-legged hornet, was captured by a member of the public in the Dundonald area of Belfast on Friday, 10 October.
08 October 2024
DAERA Funds Peatland Restoration Projects
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the recipients of grant funding for peatland restoration projects. Five nonprofit organisations in Northern Ireland and the border region have been awarded a total of £2.7 million to address the degradation of peatlands and their contribution to climate change.
DAERA Funds Peatland Restoration Projects
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the recipients of grant funding for peatland restoration projects. Five nonprofit organisations in Northern Ireland and the border region have been awarded a total of £2.7 million to address the degradation of peatlands and their contribution to climate change.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.