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

Belfast’s two main airports and Stena Line have issued advice for passengers planning on travelling with their services this weekend.

On Friday, Stena Line vessel Superfast VII which was due to arrive in Cairnryan from Belfast at 1.52pm was delayed and another Superfast VII due to dock in Cairnryan at 9.52pm has also been delayed.

All ferries due to sail from Belfast to Cairnryan – and vice versa – have thus far been cancelled on Saturday, apart from the 7.30pm journey and the 11.30pm one.

The Stena Edda from Belfast to Liverpool at 10.30pm tonight has also been cancelled, as has the Stena Embla to Liverpool at 10.30am on Saturday, and the 10.30pm line.

Tonight’s 10.30pm Liverpool-Belfast route has been cancelled, as have the two Liverpool-Belfast ferries planned for Saturday.

A Stena Line spokesperson said: “Passengers can stay up to date with any delays and cancellations on our routes due to Storm Darragh at www.stenaline.co.uk/ferrycheck”

No flights have yet been majorly disrupted at Belfast City Airport or Belfast International. 

A Belfast City Airport spokesperson said: “Flight disruption due to adverse weather conditions across the UK is to be expected over the weekend. Passengers should therefore check the status of their flight with the airline before travelling to the airport.”

https://x.com/belfastairport/status/1865025043203268812

Looking forward to seeing your favourite team play this weekend? 

First, be sure to check whether Storm Darragh will be affecting your sporting plans 👇

A spokesperson for the council stated: 

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”.