Northern Ireland

Restrictions placed on north Belfast parade and protest

Restrictions have been placed on a loyalist protest during a republican parade in north Belfast. Previous republican parades have also attracted protests
Restrictions have been placed on a loyalist protest during a republican parade in north Belfast. Previous republican parades have also attracted protests Restrictions have been placed on a loyalist protest during a republican parade in north Belfast. Previous republican parades have also attracted protests

THE Parades Commission has placed restrictions on a republican march and loyalist protest due to take place in north Belfast at the weekend.

The parade is to pass the loyalist lower Shankill Road area at Carlisle Circus on Sunday.

A loyalist group called United Protestant Voice wanted to hold a protest involving up to 1,500 people as marchers passed nearby Clifton Street.

However, the Parades Commission last night ruled that just 50 people will be allowed to attend the protest on a footpath outside 82-84 Clifton Street.

Participants have also been told to assemble at that location before 1.45pm.

The march, organised by the North Belfast Easter Rising 2016 Commemorative Committee, is expected to see up to 300 people and three bands make their way from Ardoyne to Antrim Road before passing Carlisle Circus and on to Carrick Hill.

It is due to begin at 1.30pm and be over by 3.30pm.

Organisers volunteered to play a single drumbeat from St Malachy’s College on Antrim Road to the junction of Stanhope Street and Clifton Street, a condition included in a determination issued by the Parades Commission.