Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, today announced that the Executive has introduced a policy for Rathlin Island.  This comes as very welcome news to Rathlin Development and Community Association which has lobbied long and hard for a policy specific to the island.

The purpose of the policy is to develop a vibrant healthy island community and increase the involvement of islanders in the development of policies and projects which improve conditions for all of the people of the island while also protecting its environment.  The policy has the strategic aims of:

• enhancing community involvement;
• improving the provision of public services for islanders;
• advancing policies for a sustainable island community; and
• conserving the Island's exceptional environmental heritage.

In announcing the policy, the Minister said: "It is only right that islanders receive access to public services that the rest of us often take for granted and the policy will seek to improve the conditions of all people on the island while also protecting its natural and cultural heritage".

Click here to download a copy of the policy.