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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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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.
09 September 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
31 May 2007
Emergency Rescue station opens on Rathlin
The first joint Rescue Station between a fire and rescue service and the Coastguard in the UK is set to open tomorrow on Rathlin Island. The Emergency Rescue Station is in association with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Emergency Rescue station opens on Rathlin
The first joint Rescue Station between a fire and rescue service and the Coastguard in the UK is set to open tomorrow on Rathlin Island. The Emergency Rescue Station is in association with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
