Ferry fares to Rathlin Island off Co. Antrim are set to increase for the first time in 10 years.

The announcement was made by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) which stated that a standard single passenger fare on the Ballycastle-Church Bay route will rise from £6 to £8.

For those travelling by car on board the 6-vehicle capacity Spirit of Rathlin, the standard single car fare will increase from £10.30 to £15.

The 40 minute route is also served by the passenger only catamaran the Rathlin Express which takes just 25 minutes to complete the crossing.

Half price fares for children will not be affected and SmartPass concessions will also be available.

As for the island's population of around 150 residents, they will continue to receive discounts of at least 50% of the standard fares.

The DfI added that the fares will "be subject to a statutory 30-day notice period that is due to commence on 9 May 2023".

More from The Irish News on the route that is operated on behalf of the DfI, see related story.

Work has begun on a new visitor services building at Ballycastle harbour as part of a £7.4 million (€8.6 million) marine tourism project for the nothern part of Ireland and western Scotland.

Moyle District Council is one of 20 partners involved in the Sail West Initiative to develop boating, angling and marine tourism related infrastructure along the Northern Ireland coast north of Belfast Lough, Counties Sligo and Donegal, and a large part of Scotland's west coast.

The plan will see the demolition of the existing bungalow at the harbour, to be replaced with a new state-of-the-art marina building and harbourmaster's office with shower, kitchen and laundry facilities.

The council will also take part in an extensive marketing campaign along with the other Sail West partners to promote the region as an important sailing destination for sea-faring tourists.

The Ballymoney Times has more on the story HERE.