Drumcree Parade Injunction: High Court Stops Sunday March
The High Court has issued a temporary injunction stopping the Drumcree parade scheduled for Sunday. This decision comes after a legal challenge by the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition, who had sought to prevent the parade for almost 30 years.
On Friday, the Parades Commission announced the parade could proceed with restrictions in place on the Garvaghy Road, marking the first time in nearly three decades it was allowed to march there.
Portadown District Orange Lodge refused a request to postpone the parade, leading Judge Patricia Smyth to urge them to consider temporarily halting it for a full hearing. Despite a lodge letter submitted to the court, there was no agreement to delay the march.
Judge Smyth emphasized the sensitivity and importance of the issue, requesting all lawyers be creative and use the law for the good of all people in Northern Ireland. She adjourned the case for a third time, saying further information from the PSNI is needed before making a decision. The important date for the Orange Order, July 5th, was noted, but there will be no prejudice in adjourning for a short period to allow preparation of the case by all parties.