Menu
06/08/2013
Parades Commission Upholds Castlederg Decision
The Parades Commission says it will not review its decision to allow an IRA memorial march through Castlederg in County Tyrone, despite opposition from unionists.
The march will take place 40 years after the deaths of IRA men Seamus Harvey and Gerard McGlynn, who were killed when a car bomb they were transporting to the town detonated early.
The Commission ruled that the parade planned for this Sunday can go ahead, but has placed restrictions that mean it will not be allowed to proceed around the Diamond area or past a war memorial.
Only notified bands will be allowed to take part and paramilitary trappings will not be allowed.
The move follows requests from unionist organisations and the DUP and UUP to ban the march outright.
The Parades Commission said: "As standard practice, the Commission may review any determination - but only if there is fresh information to consider.
"On this occasion, the Commission has concluded that none of the requests contained sufficient new information to justify a review."
The DUP has called on Secretary of State Theresa Villiers to voice her opposition to the parade publicly, following an interview with the Belfast telegraph in which she said she regretted not openly opposing the naming of a park in Newry after IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.
Enterprise Minister and DUP MLA Arlene Foster said: "The Secretary of State was right to acknowledge that the naming of a children's play park after a terrorist was wrong and ill-judged.
"Whilst the Secretary of State has acknowledged that the McCreesh Park decision was unhelpful for community relations, surely she should similarly acknowledge that this weekend’s commemoration parade in Castlederg is equally unhelpful. The PIRA murdered 29 people in the Castlederg area. This parade will actually pass the spot where two of those shootings occurred.
"The Secretary of State holds a position of leadership and should exercise that role for the betterment of community relations in the Province. I trust she will join with me in calling for the organisers of this parade to cancel the event and recognise it is grossly insensitive to victims."
A protest by the Derg Valley Victims' Voice has been permitted for the duration of the Castlederg parade.
(IT/CD)
The march will take place 40 years after the deaths of IRA men Seamus Harvey and Gerard McGlynn, who were killed when a car bomb they were transporting to the town detonated early.
The Commission ruled that the parade planned for this Sunday can go ahead, but has placed restrictions that mean it will not be allowed to proceed around the Diamond area or past a war memorial.
Only notified bands will be allowed to take part and paramilitary trappings will not be allowed.
The move follows requests from unionist organisations and the DUP and UUP to ban the march outright.
The Parades Commission said: "As standard practice, the Commission may review any determination - but only if there is fresh information to consider.
"On this occasion, the Commission has concluded that none of the requests contained sufficient new information to justify a review."
The DUP has called on Secretary of State Theresa Villiers to voice her opposition to the parade publicly, following an interview with the Belfast telegraph in which she said she regretted not openly opposing the naming of a park in Newry after IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.
Enterprise Minister and DUP MLA Arlene Foster said: "The Secretary of State was right to acknowledge that the naming of a children's play park after a terrorist was wrong and ill-judged.
"Whilst the Secretary of State has acknowledged that the McCreesh Park decision was unhelpful for community relations, surely she should similarly acknowledge that this weekend’s commemoration parade in Castlederg is equally unhelpful. The PIRA murdered 29 people in the Castlederg area. This parade will actually pass the spot where two of those shootings occurred.
"The Secretary of State holds a position of leadership and should exercise that role for the betterment of community relations in the Province. I trust she will join with me in calling for the organisers of this parade to cancel the event and recognise it is grossly insensitive to victims."
A protest by the Derg Valley Victims' Voice has been permitted for the duration of the Castlederg parade.
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
11 July 2002
SF to meet Parades Commission over Twelfth parades
A meeting is to take place between Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission over a number of controversial Orange Order parades that are to take place in north Belfast on July 12. A delegation from the party is to meet the commission on Thursday morning with regard to parades along the Springfield Road and Crumlin Road planned for Friday.
SF to meet Parades Commission over Twelfth parades
A meeting is to take place between Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission over a number of controversial Orange Order parades that are to take place in north Belfast on July 12. A delegation from the party is to meet the commission on Thursday morning with regard to parades along the Springfield Road and Crumlin Road planned for Friday.
26 January 2011
Baggott Agrees Illegal Parading Meeting
There's to be a showdown over the way in which the PSNI has been allowing illegal republican parades to take place - while at the same time cracking down on Loyal Order events to make sure they follow the letter of the law under Parading legislation.
Baggott Agrees Illegal Parading Meeting
There's to be a showdown over the way in which the PSNI has been allowing illegal republican parades to take place - while at the same time cracking down on Loyal Order events to make sure they follow the letter of the law under Parading legislation.
24 January 2011
Police 'Allowed Illegal Republican Parade'
Members of the leading loyal order are said to be frustrated over an illegal march in Co Armagh yesterday and news of 'zero' prosecutions or cautions for those participating in any such illegal parades. The Orange Order described this as a "major shift" in policy, which they said, is causing huge frustration among law-abiding Orangemen.
Police 'Allowed Illegal Republican Parade'
Members of the leading loyal order are said to be frustrated over an illegal march in Co Armagh yesterday and news of 'zero' prosecutions or cautions for those participating in any such illegal parades. The Orange Order described this as a "major shift" in policy, which they said, is causing huge frustration among law-abiding Orangemen.
20 December 2010
Orange Tint To Parades Commission
A former senior Orangeman who disagreed with the loyal order's leadership has been appointed to the contentious Parades Commission in Northern Ireland. Reverend Brian Kennaway will be part of a new commission appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, which will begin operating early next month.
Orange Tint To Parades Commission
A former senior Orangeman who disagreed with the loyal order's leadership has been appointed to the contentious Parades Commission in Northern Ireland. Reverend Brian Kennaway will be part of a new commission appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, which will begin operating early next month.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
