A new ferry service to serve the island community of Rathlin will be officially launched on Wednesday, 9 September 2009.  A new purpose-built high speed vessel capable of carrying 100 seated passengers will provide a comfortable, accessible, year-round service to the island and will reduce the crossing time for the six mile journey from 45 minutes to 20.  Congratulations to Rathlin Development and Community Association for its part in this realisation of efforts to improve services to the island.