Ferry passengers in Northern Ireland will face higher fares starting next month, as the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a 4-7% increase on the publicly-funded ferry routes between Strangford-Portaferry and Ballycastle-Rathlin Island.
This marks the third consecutive year that the fares have been raised, with previous years seeing increases of up to 30%. The DfI states that the latest hike is in line with inflation and that the department will continue to subsidise both services, which amount to over £2 million this year.
Some of the specific changes include:
– The Rathlin Ferry adult single ticket will rise from £8 to £8.40, while child tickets will increase from £4 to £4.20.
– On the Strangford-Portaferry route, the adult foot passenger fare will go up from £1.30 to £1.40, though the child fare will remain unchanged.
– Car fares on this route will increase from £7.70 to £8.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the impact these increases will have on commuters, sports teams, schoolchildren, businesses, and healthcare access. Naomi McNally, a regular ferry user, feels the latest hike is “excessive”, noting that fares have already risen significantly in recent years.
Naomi McCallum, who runs a local business in Portaferry, is also worried about the effect on her customers, particularly those who rely on the ferry to reach her salon. She expects the price increases to have a negative impact on her business and family life.
SDLP councillor Joe Boyle, who chairs the Strangford Lough Ferry Service Working Group, is “disappointed” to hear about the proposed price rises, stating that they will further burden an already struggling customer base. He points out that the ferry fares have seen a 40% increase over the past 12-15 months, which he considers “quite significant”.
The DfI maintains that the additional revenue generated from the new fares will help to fund increases in operational costs, but local residents remain concerned about the impact on their daily lives and livelihoods.