Statutory Notice - Rathlin Island ferry fares increase

The Department for Infrastructure has announced its intention to increase fares on the Rathlin Island ferry service.

The change to fares will be subject to a statutory 30-day notice period that begins on 9 May 2023.

Fares for the ferry service have remained at the same level since April 2013 and an increase is therefore needed due to current budgetary pressures and the increased running costs of the ferry since that time. However, current discounts available on fares for residents, children and SmartPass holders will remain in place.

The Department is supportive of Rathlin Island and provides an ongoing subsidy for the lifeline ferry service, so that fares can be kept as low as possible.

It has an oversight and co-ordinating role in relation to the Rathlin Island Policy, which is a NI Executive policy to ensure continued and sustainable growth of Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s only off-shore inhabited island.

Any person may, within a period of 30 days from the date of publication of this Notice, object to the issuing of the Direction by notice to grantsteam@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or in writing to the Department for Infrastructure, Public Transport Operations, 3rd Floor, Clarence Court, 10-18 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB informing it of the grounds upon which the objection is made.