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Residents Lose Bid to Challenge Decision to Allow Parade
Appeal judges said the Parades Commission properly weighed police concerns and imposed conditions, including fewer than 60 marchers and an earlier start time.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge by the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition against the Parades Commission's decision to permit the Drumcree parade along the Garvaghy Road for the first time in 28 years.
The Parades Commission had granted the Portadown District Lodge permission to walk the route after its original ban was overturned in court, prompting residents to seek judicial review citing concerns over potential disorder and Article 8 privacy rights.
Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan ruled the commission properly weighed police assessments and gave adequate reasons for its decision, dismissing arguments that the determination was "irrational" or failed to account for disorder risks.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant banned the parade on Friday night after advice from police chief constable Jon Boutcher citing potential "catastrophic" consequences, rendering the court ruling largely academic for residents' spokesperson Breandan Mac Cionnaith.
The Orange Order plans to challenge the Secretary's ban next week, while Assembly motions seek to exclude Sinn Fein ministers who allegedly participated in unlawful protests on the Garvaghy Road on September 27.