Orange Order march will go ahead, says commission
- Published
The Parades Commission has confirmed that an Orange Order parade in north Belfast will go ahead on Saturday.
A nationalist group representing residents of the Ardoyne area had asked for an urgent review of the decision to allow it.
The Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA) had told the commission "the parade could result in real difficulties" as it will involve passing the Ardoyne shops.
In a statement, the Commission said their request did not "constitute any fresh information to trigger a review" and confirmed its decision would stand.
The Orange Order had requested permission to march to mark Orange Heritage Week.
The parade was given the go ahead to pass the Ardoyne shops at 09:00 BST on Saturday.
Bands would not permitted to play music or beat drums as they passed.
In its determination, the commission stated it did not receive evidence “it would result in disorder or any significant disruption to life in the community”.
It added that there was some evidence it could "damage community relations" but concluded "the timing of the parade and measures to be implemented are likely to mitigate any such damage.
CARA had claimed the decision was based on “misleading and inaccurate information”.
The parade is outside of a 2016 agreement which sees five morning parades occur each year.
A statement from CARA said the decision had "the potential to set back the progress made since the agreement was struck”.
The Orange Order recently stated back in June 2024 that the agreement had broken down.
The Orange Order had requested the parade to mark Orange Heritage Week
Residents feel 'betrayed'
The Sinn Féin MLA, Gerry Kelly, said the decision left residents on the Crumlin Road, Mountainview and the Dales "dismayed".
He added that local nationalists feel "betrayed by the Parades Commission's decision".
“This appalling decision will be seen to reward the intransigence and bad faith of the loyal orders who have broken the agreement, jeopardising these advances."