Ferries project 'will improve access to remote islands'

19 March 2009 -

Holidaymakers interested in tours in Northern Ireland will have greater access to the country's remote islands after the Small Ferries Project received a boost in funding.

The European Union is to inject £233,000 into the scheme, which could see new small ferries provided to serve routes off the Irish and Scottish coasts.

Minister for regional development Conor Murphy commented on the importance of the government recognising island living and pointed to the example of Rathlin Island, the only inhabited offshore region in the north.

He added: "I look forward to the Small Ferries Project leading the way for further collaboration to assist the development of small islands."

The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Department for Regional Development, Caledonian Maritime Assets and the Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs and is due to be completed in summer 2010.

May 16th will see visitors to the Giant's Causeway coast of Northern Ireland able to view the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the region by boat, as part of an organised tour that will take in the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and Rathlin Island's Bull Lighthouse.