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MP Mickey Brady and his party colleagues have met the Parades Commission to express their concerns around upcoming parades in Newry later this month. The Parades Commission website lists a South Down Defenders Parade with up to 50 bands mentioned for Friday 26 August and the annual Black Saturday parade with up to 8 bands on Saturday 27 August.
Mr Brady has urged those organising the upcoming band parades to ensure they are respectful and do not cause unnecessary inconvenience to local residents.
Speaking after a meeting with the parades commission in Belfast Mr Brady said “Along with my party colleagues, Cllr. Aidan Mathers and Geraldine Kearns, I met with the parades commission to inform them of the concerns of residents and local businesses around these upcoming parades.
“Concerns were raised around the closure of roads for the parade, essentially leaving residents trapped in their homes and around access for carers and emergency crews.
“In addition, some residents were subject to serious abuse and anti-social behaviour during parades earlier this year.
“Those involved in these parades have the right to express their cultural identity but they must do so in a respectful way, cognisant of the fact that these parades are not welcome by the majority of residents in the area it passes through.
“It’s essential that these incidents are avoided and that access for emergency vehicles is ensured by the police and organisers."
