Residents challenge approval for Drumcree parade on Garvaghy Road

A legal challenge has begun at Belfast High Court against the decision to allow an Orange Order parade along Portadown’s Garvaghy Road on Sunday, the BBC reported. The Parades Commission approved the march for the first time in almost 30 years, but imposed restrictions. The parade must depart no later than 8 a.m.

rather than the planned 1 p.m., and participation is limited to 35 people instead of the 60 requested by the Orange Order. Bands and supporters are not permitted. The Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition, which opposes the march, has applied for a judicial review.

It has also asked the commission for permission to stage a protest involving 5,000 people. A decision on that application was expected on Saturday. The residents’ legal team told the court that it was unclear whether the police assessment cited by the commission represented the full assessment provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Lawyers requested the complete assessment and earlier versions, saying they wanted to determine whether there had been changes. Judge Patricia Smyth asked the parties to consider a way forward given the limited time before Sunday. The commission said the determination took account of submissions from organisers, residents, police, political parties and church representatives.

Catholic Church leader Archbishop Eamon Martin called for a peaceful resolution and urged people to use lawful and democratic processes. A priest at Drumcree Catholic Church said he was concerned the march could conflict with Sunday Mass and revive painful memories of the 1990s dispute. Portadown District Orange Order leader Nigel Dawson said the organisation was unhappy with the restrictions but would comply with the law.

He appealed to all sides to behave responsibly and peacefully as the legal challenge continued.