Drumcree dispute could lead to issues with other marches, say residents
There have been 11 days of deadlock between Garvaghy Road residents and the local Orange Order over the proposed march in Portadown, County Armagh.
By BBC News
Residents in Portadown have warned that the continuing dispute over a proposed Orange Order march could create problems for other parades in Northern Ireland.
A stand-off between the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition and the Portadown District Orange Lodge has lasted for 11 days. The proposed march would travel along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road from Drumcree Church.
The Parades Commission previously ruled that the parade could go ahead with restrictions. The decision followed a court ruling that overturned an earlier ban.
Around 1,000 people, including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, gathered on the road on the day the march was due to take place. Their presence prevented the Orangemen from completing the route.
Residents have maintained a presence along the road since then. Members of the Orange Order have made several attempts to march but were stopped by police.
Talks involving residents and Orange Order representatives have so far failed to resolve the dispute. A further legal challenge by the residents was due to be considered by the Court of Appeal in Belfast.
The Drumcree route has been at the centre of some of Northern Ireland’s most serious parading disputes. Earlier stand-offs in the 1990s were accompanied by riots, roadblocks and killings.
Residents have said the current deadlock could have consequences beyond Portadown, with other disputed marches potentially affected by the outcome.