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Irish Sea’s newest operator celebrates a year in business

[ April 16, 2024   //   ]

Dunaverty has celebrated a successful first year as operators of the lifeline ferry to Rathlin Island, which lies about three miles to the north of Ballycastle off the coast of Antrim. The operator set sail within two days after the previous operator stopped the service.

Since taking over the service in January 2023, in a deal supported by Danske Bank, it has expanded its fleet to two vessels, including foot and vehicle passenger boats, which sail up to ten return journeys per day.

The operator’s largest vessel, the Spirit of Rathlin weighs in at just 105 tonnes but she does carry cargo and there are regular commuters to Ballycastle among Rathlin’s 150 permanent inhabitants.

The company has since expanded its fleet to two vessels, including foot and vehicle passenger boats, which sail up to ten return journeys per day.

Dunaverty’s investment enabled Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island to remain open for business for all those who visit, live and work there.

Dunaverty has taken part in the Climate Action Programme which Danske Bank co-developed with Business in the Community to help businesses monitor and reduce carbon footprint and prepare the business for the future.

Robert Lynn, business manager at Danske (which despite its name is one of Ulster’s leading high street banks) said: “A service such as the Rathlin Island Ferry is simply not one that we can do without in Northern Ireland. The team has been incredibly proactive and to grow their business from the ground up to where it is now in one year is impressive.”

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