A security alert at the Dundonald Ice Bowl, a popular leisure facility on the outskirts of east Belfast, recently concluded when police determined that a discovered package containing an unknown substance posed no risk to the public. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of May 22, 2025, prompting emergency services, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, to respond swiftly.
Upon receiving reports around 2:30 PM about the suspicious package, the police implemented a public safety operation that necessitated the evacuation of the leisure complex. Witnesses reported seeing groups of individuals, some still in their ice skating attire, gathered in a nearby car park as officials secured the area. According to a PSNI spokesperson, the substance was examined by emergency crews and later secured for further investigation. “We would like to thank the public for their cooperation and all cordons have now been lifted,” stated the spokesperson, highlighting the importance of community response in such situations.
The evacuation extended beyond the Ice Bowl, as nearby facilities, including the Pirates Adventure Golf course, also closed their doors as a precaution. “Due to the ongoing incident at the Ice Bowl we are currently closed. We will update when we get reopened,” they announced on social media. This prompt response not only ensured public safety but also reflected the cooperation among local businesses and authorities during unexpected emergencies.
Such security alerts, although often disruptive, are not unprecedented in the Dundonald area. Previous incidents have involved suspicious objects that ultimately turned out to be harmless. For example, a 2016 alert resulted in extensive evacuations and a controlled explosion, only for police to later confirm that the object in question was a hoax. In earlier instances, alerts have led to similar emergency responses, reinforcing the need for vigilance in public spaces.
Amidst these alarming events, it is worth noting that the Dundonald Ice Bowl, which opened in 1986, is the only Olympic-sized ice rink in Northern Ireland and serves as the home training facility for the Belfast Giants ice hockey team. Recent developments around the Ice Bowl have included plans for a significant £52 million redevelopment approved by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, set to enhance the facility with a new bowling alley and community spaces by 2026. This project aims to elevate the leisure experience while ensuring safety and modernity at this community cornerstone.
In light of these improvements, the Ice Bowl has become integral not only for recreational purposes but also as a venue fostering community ties. With the current alert resolved and the facility expected to resume normal operations soon, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a revitalised Dundonald Ice Bowl that continues to serve as a hub of recreational activity in the region.
The effective response from emergency services, alongside cooperative communication from local establishments, demonstrates a commendable approach to maintaining safety while ensuring that the community remains engaged and informed. It remains crucial that the public stays alert while also enjoying the plethora of activities available in this cherished local venue.
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Source: Noah Wire Services