Orange Parade Restricted

The Parades Commission has decided to yet again restrict a 12 July Orange Order Parade in north Belfast from marching along a stretch of the Crumlin Road on its return route.

The move follows an identical decision made regarding the same parade last year, which seeks to march through the predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast. In 2013, police prevented the parade from continuing down the proposed route and were met with serious disorder and rioting by loyalist 'protestors'. Officers were attacked with golf balls, bottles, bricks, stones, paving slabs and other missiles.

The Commission's ruling this year means the parade will be able to march along the controversial stretch of road on its outward route, but not on the return route. It also said only hymn music could be played by bands.

"On the notified return route, the parade shall not process that part of the notified route between the junction of Woodvale Parade and Woodvale Road and the junction of Hesketh Road and Crumlin Road," it said. "The parade shall disperse no later than 7.30pm."

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness said: "This is a sensible decision from the Parades Commission and reflects the relentless willingness of residents in Ardoyne to reach an agreement on this parade with the Orange Order and their neighbours in Twaddell and Woodvale.

"It is imperative that everyone respects, upholds and obeys the legally binding determination of the commission, whatever their views on its content. Recent weeks have seen tensions raised once again between these communities. It is time now for uncompromising leadership from all elected representatives and every political party. Those who hold high office must demonstrate high standards in dealing with this decision and any police operations on foot of any determination."

But an Orange Order spokesman said: "This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades. Such reckless action comes despite the prolonged and genuine efforts by the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, and primarily the Ligoniel lodges, to defuse tensions concerning Loyal Order parades in this part of the city over the past 12 months, including face-to-face discussions with nationalist residents.

"There will quite rightly be indignation across the entire unionist community at the latest restriction on our legitimate cultural expression and traditions; and therefore the Orange Institution will be meeting with our political leaders at the earliest opportunity to discuss further the ramifications of this decision. We are also mindful of continuing intransigent opposition by republicans to Loyal Order parades in other areas of the Province, including the longstanding situation at Drumcree. Despite the exploits of an ill-informed and apparently ill-disposed Parades Commission, we would appeal for calm and call on all not to be drawn into the trap being set by republicans. Any violence will only undermine our cause. We would reiterate that anyone wishing to protest against this outrageous decision must do so in a peaceful manner. Only then can civil and religious liberty prevail."

Alliance North Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister said: "All sides must respect the ruling of the Parades Commission. They are the lawful regulatory body who are there to make decisions on parading matters. Anybody who breaks this determination is breaking the law.

"Politicians and community leaders must watch their language in relation to this ruling so as to not raise tensions in the area. I do not want to see more young people get a criminal record, so I would appeal for calm following last year’s trouble.

"The violence that marred Northern Ireland last summer is avoidable if all sides respect the rule of law."

(IT/CD)