Minister reopens ferry for visitors to Rathlin

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that, from yesterday, travel restrictions will be amended to allow people who have pre-booked accommodation on Rathlin Island to travel on the ferry.
A Rathlin ferry docking in Ballycastle. Photo: McAuley MultimediaA Rathlin ferry docking in Ballycastle. Photo: McAuley Multimedia
A Rathlin ferry docking in Ballycastle. Photo: McAuley Multimedia

From July 3 tourists wishing to visit the island by means of the ferry service will be permitted to do so, although capacity on board vessels will be restricted due to social distancing measures.

Minister Mallon said: “I am pleased to announce the further easement of travel restrictions on the Rathlin Island Ferry Service. These changes are being introduced in consultation with the people of Rathlin.

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“I know that this will be a timely boost to those businesses on the island offering accommodation or hospitality to visitors and to those with second homes on the island.

“I would ask all those travelling to the island to please continue to be responsible and adhere to the guidance given on essential travel and social distancing.

“We all have a personal responsibility to protect the health and well-being of ourselves and others. The Covid-19 virus is still with us so it is vital we do not become complacent.

“I want to pay tribute to the island community for their resilience during this period and hope that this move is another step closer to a return to normality.”

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Michael Cecil, 49, a ferry skipper who has lived on Rathlin since he was three-years-old, recently said lockdown on the island had been “surreal”.

He said: “Once we got over the first two or three weeks with no traffic back and forward to the island, we were pretty secure there was no virus here. You could go to the beach and people’s gardens or meet each other on the road, without much of a risk.”

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