Storm Darragh: Weather warnings come into force as Belfast Christmas Market, zoo and more to close

A spokesperson for the council stated: 

 All our grass and 3G pitches are closed over the weekend from Friday 6 December.

 All our parks and playgrounds are closed on Saturday 7 December. Parkruns are also cancelled.

 Our household recycling centres and civic amenity sites are closed on Saturday 7 December.

 Belfast Christmas Market is closed on Saturday 7 December.

 Belfast Zoo is closed on Saturday 7 December.

 Our cemeteries and crematorium grounds are closed on Saturday 7 December. Scheduled burials and cremations will proceed as normal.

 There is no night time noise service on Friday 6 December.

 Our community centres and leisure centres are open for organised indoor activities as normal on Saturday 7 December.

In response to the anticipated severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh this weekend, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced the temporary closure of several facilities and cancellation of events to prioritise public safety as follows:
 
Enchanted Winter Garden – Cancelled: Friday evening and Saturday evening.

Parks – The parks listed below will be closed from 3:00 PM on Friday and all-day Saturday. They will be assessed for damage and debris on Sunday before reopening.
Crumlin Glen
Antrim Castle Gardens
Millrace trail
Steeple Round Tower
Reas Wood
Sixmilewater park
Memorial park
Randalstown River Walk and Viaduct
Toome Canal Walk
Burnside River Walk
Sentry Hill
Whiteabbey Glen
Global Point
Newtownabbey Way at the Mill
Threemilewater Park
Barriers will be closed at Jordanstown Loughshore and Hazelbank on Saturday
Playparks – All playparks will be closed on Saturday and are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, subject to safety assessments.

Waste Management – Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) will be closed on Saturday and limited street cleansing services will be in place.

Leisure Services:
Outdoor leisure bookings are cancelled for Saturday but will resume on Sunday.

Golf courses will be closed on Saturday and reopen on Sunday.

Leisure Centres will remain open as usual.

Theatre Services – Theatre at The Mill will operate as scheduled.
 
A Council spokesperson stated: “We appreciate the public’s understanding and co-operation during this period of disruption. The safety of our community remains our top priority. For further updates, please visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/service-disruptions

Following Belfast’s Night Czar Micheal Stewart’s visit to businesses across the Belfast One area, Belfast ONE Business Improvement District (BID) CEO Martina Connolly has today voiced her support and the support of city centre businesses for this message.

Martina also emphasised the importance of maximising the use of late-night buses and trains every Friday and Saturday from now until 21st December. She said:

“The late-night buses and trains started last weekend and have already proven successful. This weekend sees the first full weekend of late-night services and the majority of Christmas parties and gatherings taking place across the city. City Centre footfall reports so far this year have been positive, and we’re encouraging people to continue to come and enjoy the city and get home safe using Translink services. We want to ensure that both businesses and the public know that late-night buses and trains are available every Friday and Saturday night until the 21st of December.”

Martina also commended the efforts of local businesses who are fully embracing the festive season:

“Belfast City Centre businesses have fully embraced Christmas creating a festive atmosphere this year by investing in decorations and illuminations for their businesses and the city. There is so much to come in and see and do in Belfast this year including Gingerbread Lane at Henry’s, Queen’s Arcade, Amelia Hall and the city’s latest addition, The Stock Exchange on Royal Avenue.

“We are asking our local leaders to support the request for night-time transport throughout the year to ensure our city continues to thrive and remain accessible for all.”

 

The Department for Infrastructure says it is working with multi-agency partners and taking steps to minimise the impacts of heavy rain, including checking river levels and maintaining key drainage infrastructure.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have “made the difficult decision to cancel the Enchanted Winter Garden events on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and performers”.

A spokesperson added: “All tickets and pre-bought tokens for Friday and Saturday will be automatically refunded, although it may take up to seven days for refunds to be processed. Please visit www.enchantedwintergarden.com to rebook for another night. The Council will be communicating extensively with all tickets holders and others impacted by the event cancellation.”

Meanwhile, SOS Causeway Hospital have taken the decision to postpone their Community Rally to Saturday, December 14, at 1pm from Causeway Hospital to Coleraine Town Hall.

The rally is aimed at retaining emergency and general surgery at Causeway Hospital.

Saintfield Community Association also cancelled their Christmas Fair planned for Friday, stating that they “have a duty of care to keep everyone safe”.

Amid the various weather warnings, the organisers of Belfast Christmas Market have announced that it will not open on Saturday.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately due to the expected extreme weather, it will not be safe for us to open. We recognise this may be disappointing, however the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance.

“At the moment the plan is to reopen on Sunday (December 8), however this is weather dependent.”