Northern Ireland Councils Announce Closures as RED Weather Warning Issued

A RED Warning for Wind has been issued for Northern Ireland by the Met Office, effective from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, 24 January 2025. The warning signals extremely dangerous conditions, with widespread disruption and significant impacts expected as Storm Éowyn sweeps through the region.

Council Closures

In response to the severe weather alert, all Council facilities will remain closed on Friday, 24 January 2025. This includes:

• Household recycling centres
• Council parks and open spaces
• Council cemeteries
• Town halls and community centres
• Leisure centres
• Public toilets managed by the Council
• Ballymena Showgrounds
• Museums and attractions

Online Council services will still be accessible during the closure.

Changes to Bin Collections

There will be no bin collections on Friday, 24 January 2025. The following arrangements have been made:

• Black bins due for collection in Ballymena will now be collected on Saturday, 25 January.
• Blue bins scheduled for collection in Larne will also be collected on Saturday, 25 January.
• Brown bins in Carrickfergus and Larne, originally scheduled for collection on Friday, will now be collected on Friday, 7 February.

Additionally, Bryson Recycling has confirmed there will be no kerbie box collections on Friday, 24 January or Saturday, 25 January 2025.

Safety Advice

Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their property:

• Sandbags: The Council does not supply sandbags. If your home is at immediate risk or has already been flooded, contact Floodline at 0300 2000 100 for assistance.
• Travel: Avoid driving or traveling during the severe weather conditions. Roads will be dangerous, and unnecessary travel could put you and others at risk.
• Securing Property: If it is safe to do so, check for loose items outside your home, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, sheds, and fences, and secure them to prevent damage or injury.
• Coastal Areas: If you live or work near the coast, stay away from large waves, as they can sweep individuals off their feet. In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Stay Informed

Keep up to date with the latest weather updates and safety advice through official channels. Take all warnings seriously and take every precaution to stay safe during this period of severe weather.