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11/10/2024
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).
Following the visit, the Minister praised Rathlin's environment and culture, stating that a trip to the island is always memorable. He also expressed his pleasure at visiting the East Light during a previous trip and welcomed the opportunity to learn about RDCA's plans for the site.
Additionally, Minister O'Dowd met with representatives of Future Island-Island, who discussed the potential socio-economic benefits they can bring to Rathlin through their work with universities and PhD students.
The Minister continued: "It is clear that there is a real passion within the community to move projects forward including the integration of renewable energy into the development work on the island to support Rathlin's wider net zero ambitions."
The Minister also met with members of the LIFE Raft project and visited a bait laying station to see their work first hand with the assistance of Woody the biosecurity detection dog.
Minister added: "There are clearly so many inspiring visitor experiences on offer here and by working together we have the potential to develop those and make Rathlin the place to visit; to share the history of this unique and special place and, also, to look to the island's future by sharing the story of the island's green ambitions.
"I remain firmly committed to working with the Rathlin community and other key stakeholders to implement the Executive's Rathlin Island Policy and explore opportunities to ensure the continued sustainability of island life."
Chair of RDCA Michael Cecil said: "I was delighted to welcome Minister O'Dowd back to Rathlin again today. He has a real enthusiasm to drive the Island Policy forward and to see the island develop. I look forward to continuing our work with Minister and his Department to help turn our vision of a sustainable living and working environment into reality."
Minister O'Dowd made the comments during a visit to the island where he met with representatives of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA).
Following the visit, the Minister praised Rathlin's environment and culture, stating that a trip to the island is always memorable. He also expressed his pleasure at visiting the East Light during a previous trip and welcomed the opportunity to learn about RDCA's plans for the site.
Additionally, Minister O'Dowd met with representatives of Future Island-Island, who discussed the potential socio-economic benefits they can bring to Rathlin through their work with universities and PhD students.
The Minister continued: "It is clear that there is a real passion within the community to move projects forward including the integration of renewable energy into the development work on the island to support Rathlin's wider net zero ambitions."
Minister added: "There are clearly so many inspiring visitor experiences on offer here and by working together we have the potential to develop those and make Rathlin the place to visit; to share the history of this unique and special place and, also, to look to the island's future by sharing the story of the island's green ambitions.
"I remain firmly committed to working with the Rathlin community and other key stakeholders to implement the Executive's Rathlin Island Policy and explore opportunities to ensure the continued sustainability of island life."
Chair of RDCA Michael Cecil said: "I was delighted to welcome Minister O'Dowd back to Rathlin again today. He has a real enthusiasm to drive the Island Policy forward and to see the island develop. I look forward to continuing our work with Minister and his Department to help turn our vision of a sustainable living and working environment into reality."
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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.
30 July 2024
DAERA Minister Commits To New Seabird Conservation Strategy
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has committed to the development of a new Seabird Conservation Strategy during an official visit to Rathlin Island. Minister Muir learned about the protection of the seabird population and their importance for biodiversity and ecotourism to Rathlin.
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Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has committed to the development of a new Seabird Conservation Strategy during an official visit to Rathlin Island. Minister Muir learned about the protection of the seabird population and their importance for biodiversity and ecotourism to Rathlin.
08 August 2006
Lough Neagh island opened to tourists
Rams Island, the largest island in Lough Neagh, has seen around 2,500 visitors thanks to a combination of funding focused on protecting, promoting and enabling the island to be accessed by local and international visitors.
Lough Neagh island opened to tourists
Rams Island, the largest island in Lough Neagh, has seen around 2,500 visitors thanks to a combination of funding focused on protecting, promoting and enabling the island to be accessed by local and international visitors.
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.
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 showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
