Speaking after it was announced that RIFL (the Rathlin Ferry operator) has ceased trading, North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said:  

“The Rathlin Island ferry provides an essential and vital service and it must be protected. Today’s announcement by RIFL is disappointing, but the Department for Infrastructure must act quickly to put in place a contingency plan to ensure the continuity of a ferry service between Rathlin and Ballycastle.  

“This solution must protect islanders, those who work on the island and also ferry staff currently working on the ferry. I have been in contact with and will continue to engage with the Department to help resolve this situation.”