He said,
“I have spoken with the director of public transport operations for an update on the Rathlin ferry service.
I am pleased to say that it was a very helpful meeting and the intention is to have the main boat - the spirit of Rathlin - back in full operation by the end of this week. There are several checks that must be completed but the director was pushing ahead to get this service operational.
The reinstatement will bring back a complete ferry service to the people of Rathlin. The workers who staffed the previous service will be offered the same jobs in the new service, so the change in service is as seamless as possible. I understand that redundancy payments are available also and employees have the right to claim these.
Rathlin is an important coastal community and is unique in Northern Ireland. It is essential that services to and from the island are maintained to allow the island to flourish.”