Cllr Ruairi McHugh.
A meeting with the Parades Commission in Castlederg as part of the Commission’s view into parading in the town has been described as “positive” by Sinn Fein.
During the meeting a Sinn Féin delegation, made up of Pat Dohery MP, Michaela Boyle MLA and Councillors Maolíosa McHugh and Ruairí McHugh, highlighted the “negative impact” loyalist parades had on residents and businesses in the town.
Describing the meeting as “positive,” Cllr Ruairi McHugh again called on Orange Order and parade organisers to enter into dialogue.
Cllr McHugh said: “We discussed issues such as the frequency and timings of these loyalist/unionist parades taking place in Castlederg which we are of the view is totally out of proportion given the size and demographics of the town.
“We also highlighted the negative impact these parades have on residents and businesses within the town and estates that they parade through.
‘Most importantly the Parades commission in its own principles cites local dialogue as a major factor when making determinations on parades.
“We stressed to the Commission that despite our willingness to take part in dialogue there has been nothing to indicate the same kind of leadership is forthcoming from either Unionist elected representatives or the parade organisers.
“We made it clear that if the current situation of no consultation or dialogue continues then clearly the Parade Commission cannot persist in rewarding the parade organisers for their refusal to enter into dialogue by giving them the green light to parade when and where they want in Castlederg.”
Cllr McHugh concluded: “Ultimately, the only way to come to a resolution around these issues is by sitting down and talking about them with buy in from all concerned groups and individuals, I am confident this is the view of the vast majority of people in Castlederg. Sinn Féin are up for dialogue, however, it remains to be seen if loyalism and unionism are.”
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