Regional Development Minister Announces Executive Policy for Rathlin at Opening of Community Resource Centre

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today announced the Executive’s endorsement of a central government policy for Rathlin Island.

The Minister made the announcement during a visit to the island, where he opened a new Community Resource Centre.

He said: “Today marks a new way forward for the community here on Rathlin. As our only off-shore inhabited island in the North of Ireland, we have developed in partnership with the islanders, a central government policy which recognises and sets out to address the unique challenges experienced by island life. This new policy protects the island’s heritage and way of life yet promotes its viability and sustainability now and for the future.

“I am fully committed to ensuring that the Executive delivers balanced regional development and addresses regional disparities by providing infrastructure and resources which help build and regenerate the local economy, improve accessibility and promote social inclusion.”

“I have taken the lead in developing this policy for Rathlin which aims to improve the provision of public services on the island, enhance community participation and active citizenship whilst ensuring the island’s sustainability for the future and conserving its exceptional environmental heritage and way of life.

“This policy will now allow the Executive to proactively respond to the needs of the islanders on issues around public transport and roads infrastructure, health and social care, education and schooling, agriculture, community development, tourism and economic development.

“This central government policy for Rathlin has now been endorsed by my Executive colleagues who have all positively contributed and agreed to play their role in its delivery. For my part, I know that the new enhanced ferry service and the additional resources for roads thus far have been welcomed.

“My announcement today here at the official opening of the island’s new Community Resource Centre marks the start of a public consultation process and I welcome comments from the public on the draft policy.”

Notes to Editors:

1.The draft Rathlin Island policy will be subject to a range of impact assessments and full public consultation. Any comments can be forwarded to Regional Planning and Transportation Division, 10-18 Adelaide St, Belfast by 18 September 2009.

2. Following completion of this process, an action plan will be developed to implement specific projects and measures over a two year period. A forum chaired by Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy will be established to oversee the implementation of the action plan, which will be reviewed every two years.

3. Media queries to: Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.