Storm Boelo: Ballymena parks closed as council cancels activities and services across borough
The People’s Park, Ballymena
Sunday 25 October 2026
Residents across Mid and East Antrim are being urged to avoid parks with heavy tree cover as Storm Boelo brings strong winds, prompting closures, cancelled activities and disruption to council services throughout the borough.
People’s Park, Sentry Hill and Memorial Parks in Ballymena are among the locations affected, while several facilities in Larne and Carrickfergus have also been closed or placed under monitoring.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has warned that strong winds could bring down branches and other debris, creating potentially dangerous conditions in public spaces.
Ballymena parks and attractions affected
People’s Park in Ballymena is closed today, Sunday 25 October, with the scheduled junior parkrun also cancelled.
Sentry Hill and Memorial Parks have been closed throughout the weekend.
The council has also advised the public not to visit Ecos, Carnfunnock or Bracknamuckley because of their heavy tree cover. These locations will be assessed on Monday, with reopening dependent on conditions being safe.
Closures in Larne and Carrickfergus
Dixon Park in Larne is closed today, while Shaftesbury Park and Joymount Park in Carrickfergus are being monitored.
Any closures at the Carrickfergus parks will remain in place until Monday morning.
The council is advising residents to respect closure notices and avoid entering affected areas, even where damage or fallen debris is not immediately visible.
Sports bookings and events cancelled
Storm Boelo has also forced the cancellation of sporting activities and visitor attractions across the borough.
The council has confirmed the following changes:
• People's Park, Ballymena – Sunday junior parkrun cancelled.
• Amphitheatre, Carrickfergus – all 3G pitch bookings cancelled for Sunday.
• Larne High School – all 2G pitch bookings cancelled for Sunday.
• The Gobbins – all guided tours scheduled for Sunday cancelled.
Anyone planning to attend activities or visit council attractions is encouraged to check for the latest updates before travelling.
Public toilets and street cleansing affected
A number of council services will not operate as normal on Sunday because of the weather conditions.
Public toilets will be closed at:
• Slemish Mountain.
• Larne.
• Carrickfergus.
Street cleansing operations have also been suspended in Carrickfergus and Larne for Sunday, and litter bins will not be emptied.
Residents may therefore notice additional litter or overflowing bins in affected areas until normal services resume.
Council issues safety advice
With strong winds continuing to pose a risk, the council is encouraging residents to take sensible precautions around their homes and when travelling.
Its advice includes:
• Secure loose objects around homes and gardens, including outdoor furniture and bins.
• Take extra care near trees, coastal areas and exposed locations.
• Stay away from parks and public spaces that have been closed.
• Follow official safety advice and any restrictions in place.
• Check for updated information before travelling or attending planned activities.
Further inspections planned for Monday
The council will assess affected locations, including heavily wooded parks and attractions, on Monday 26 October before deciding when they can safely reopen.
Further updates on closures, cancellations and service changes will be published through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s website and social media channels.
For residents planning outdoor activities, the immediate advice is to avoid closed parks and wooded areas, with access only restored once the council is satisfied conditions are safe.
