Chris Hazzard launches 'Rathlin Action Plan'

Four year plan to implement growth for the Island community

Minister for Infrastructure Chris Hazzard launched his depatment's 'Rathlin Island Action Plan' yesterday.  The plan aims to support 'sustainable growth' for those who live and work on the island.  The four year plan will be impelmented between 2016-2020.

Some of the plans suggested in the project are  'enhancement of community involvement, improvement of public services, advancement of sustainable services for islanders.  This Plan also makes assurances about the conservation of Rathlin's environment and heritage.

DfI @ChrisHazzardSF chairs the #Rathlin Island Ministerial Forum with Executive Departments, RDCA & @CausewayCouncil pic.twitter.com/C2dBB71yMI

— Dept Infrastructure (@deptinfra) September 21, 2016

Speaking at yesterday's annual meeting of the Rathlin Ministerial Forum, Minister Hazzard said that he wants "to deliver the best possible infrastructure package for the community to help it continue to grow and prosper."

One of the key themes to be found in the plan, is the improvement of 'linkages' to and within the island.  For example a £2.8million pound investment has been made by the Department for Infrastructure to replace the existing ferry that services Rathlin's connection to Ballycaslte.  The likes of improved road networks and high-speed broadband are also proposed in the Action Plan.

#Rathlin Island Action Plan 2016-2020 published https://t.co/9YT7JGD25m @ChrisHazzardSF @CausewayCouncil @RathlinIsland pic.twitter.com/BC0bZIc56U

— Dept Infrastructure (@deptinfra) September 21, 2016

Furthermore the plans in place intend to increase tourism to the Island, while sijmulataneously protecting Rathlin's local community and culture.  Finally, Rathlin has also been marked as having the opportunity to become 'carbon neutral'.  The potential for renewable energy on the island is an as yet untapped resource, however this is to be carried out with respect to the island's natural landscape.

Full details of the plan can be found here