News

Spirit of Rathlin Back in Service

Saturday 28th January 2023

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The new operators of the Rathlin ferries, Charles and Dawn, are pleased (relieved!) to announce that the Spirit of Rathlin, the roll-on, roll-off ferry, is now back in service. The first sailing departed Rathlin at 9am this morning, Saturday 28th January 2023.

Vehicle bookings for today, Sunday and Monday only, can now be taken. For bookings after that, please ring from Monday when it is hoped that the full booking system will be restored.

Ferry Service Update

Friday 20th January 2023

Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, it has not been possible, within the given timeframe, to secure the services of an alternative vehicle ferry. However, an engineer's inspection of the Spirit of Rathlin has been completed and essential works on the boat will happen early next week.

Subject to a successful recruitment process, an MCA inspection is also expected early next week, allowing the Spirit of Rathlin to return to full service as soon as possible.

New Ferry Operator Online Presence and Contact Information

Tuesday 17th January 2023

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Revised Timetable for Kintra II

Saturday 14th January

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The new ferry operators have had to slightly revise the timetable for the Kintra II sailings: "These are temporary changes only. Timetable will revert when sailings can be covered by two boats, and there's 'more of a stretch in the evenings'! Further updates expected on Monday 16th January. Watch this space, and thanks for continued understanding and patience."

Revised timetable for Kintra II sailings:

Depart Rathlin

Start of Kintra II sailings

Friday 13th January 2023

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The Kintra II will will start sailing from 2pm today and they hope to do the rest of the day's sailings as per timetable, sea conditions allowing.

Michael will collect prescriptions from the boat arriving at 2.30pm today. He will stay at the harbour to distribute to anyone notified by the pharmacy to expect a delivery. This goodwill gesture will continue as a short-term measure.

New Ferry Update

Friday 13th January 2023

Arranging a new contract for the ferry service comes with a thousand details to be sorted, as we can imagine. Some of those details have already been reflected in immediate and practical questions. In most cases, we don't yet have the answers, and probably nobody else does either. Be assured that those details are being addressed as quickly as possible, by DfI and the new operators. Hopefully, the previous employees will soon be able to play their part again.

Statement from DfI on new ferry operator

Wednesday 11th January 2023

We have just received the information release below from the Department for Infrastructure.

As you will read, it will bring a new operator into service from this Friday 13th January 2023. DfI have worked on contingency arrangements that allow for a direct award contract rather than a protracted tendering process given the urgency of the situation and the importance of maintaining a lifeline service.

RDCA Statement on the Rathlin Ferry Service

Wednesday 11th January 2023

As you may well imagine, our phones and emails, like many others, have been busy over the recent period considering the concerns we all share over the ferry service, its ongoing support for the island and its direct support for the employees and their families.

RDCA AGM 2023

Tuesday 10th January 2023

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The much delayed RDCA AGM will be held on Friday 27th January 2023. Postponed
repeatedly by the pandemic, the meeting will catch up on annual reports as well as giving
important updates to the community about the RAFT and East Light projects, renewable
energy, and many other things. The AGM will be held in McCuaig's Bar from 6.00pm, with
food provided. We hope that as many members as possible will be able to attend this
important gathering.

Funeral Arrangements for Duncan Smyth

Monday 26th December 2022

The funeral arrangements for Duncan have been announced, with the Funeral Mass taking place on the island at 12.00 noon on Friday 30th December. Our deepest sympathies to Veronica and Loughie and all the family. See the full details on the PJ Dallat website here. RIP.

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