A decision is expected today on whether an Orange Order parade will march down the Garvaghy Road in Portadown for the first time in nearly 30 years. An application for 60 Orange Order members to participate in a suggested Drumcree parade on 27 September is currently awaiting a ruling from the Parades Commission. The commission has blocked the order from marching along the Garvaghy Road in July every year since 1998.
The Parades Commission Ruling and Legal Context
The upcoming decision follows significant legal pressure on the Parades Commission. Earlier this month, the commission appointed a mediation company to facilitate a resolution after a High Court ruling quashed its most recent determination over the march. Jim Allister called for the entire commission to resign, stating outside the High Court that they had been caught out and should bow out. Carla Lockhart similarly described the decision as a massive victory for unionism and loyalism, calling upon the commissioners to voluntarily resign.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant told that it is really important that the Parades Commission carries the respect of all communities, adding that it looked as though the commission had not got things right. Meanwhile, loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, who was involved in bringing the legal challenge, characterized the outcome as a seismic victory, asserting that the commission cannot stand. Conversely, Alliance Party MLA Eóin Tennyson stated that the secretary of state must carefully review the judgment, noting that the Alliance remains supportive of the instrumental role the commission has played in de-escalating parading disputes.
Garvaghy Road Residents Vow to Mobilize
Residents living along the nationalist Garvaghy Road have made it clear they will mobilize and come together if the parade is allowed to proceed. Ahead of the decision, residents met with politicians in Dublin’s Leinster House on Thursday. Linda O’Neill of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition told reporters that their plan is simply that the parade will not go down the road. O’Neill also expressed community concern over a large gathering of bands scheduled in the town on Saturday night, warning that there will be consequences for the community regardless of Sunday’s outcome.
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane stated that the judgment needs to be carefully studied, adding that those declaring it a victory for unionism should reflect on who exactly they believe has been defeated. Finucane mentioned that should a new application be submitted, Sinn Féin will present its views to the Parades Commission regarding the party’s stance that there is no justification or logic for an Orange Order parade to travel down the Garvaghy Road. Meanwhile, the Portadown District of the Orange Order, backed by the three unionist parties, maintains that the event will involve a much-reduced number of participants taking part in a silent parade for a short time.
Did you know? The Drumcree parade dominated headlines during the 1990s, necessitating major security operations and leading to violent clashes and loss of life across several summers as residents rejected the march passing through their community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Parades Commission decision expected?
A decision regarding the proposed 27 September parade is due today, following a High Court ruling that quashed the previous determination.
Who is applying to march down the Garvaghy Road?
The Portadown District of the Orange Order has applied for 60 members to take part in a proposed silent parade.
Have Orange Order parades been allowed on Garvaghy Road recently?
No. The Parades Commission has blocked the Orange Order from marching along the Garvaghy Road every July since 1998.
What is the position of the local residents?
The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition strongly opposes the march, stating the community will mobilize and come together if the decision permits the parade to proceed.
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