Northern Ireland

Derry dissident parade gets go-ahead on Lyra McKee anniversary

Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry three years ago on Monday
Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry three years ago on Monday Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry three years ago on Monday

The Parades Commission has given the go-ahead for a hardline republican parade in Derry on the third anniversary of Lyra McKee's death.

The 29-year-old was shot dead by the New IRA as she watched a riot in the Creggan estate on April 18, 2019.

The parade is being planned by the National Republican Commemoration Committee, which organises events on behalf of anti-agreement party Saoradh.

In recent years annual “Unfinished Revolution” themed Easter commemorations have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2017 the committee held an Easter parade headed by a large colour party dressed in combat style clothing, which led those taking part from Free Derry Corner to the city cemetery.

A year later violence broke out after a locally organised procession, led by a masked colour party, marched from the Creggan estate to the city cemetery.

Organisers say up to three bands and 2000 supporters are due to take part in the parade, which will move from Free Derry Corner to the city cemetery,

In a determination published yesterday the Parades Commission said objections to the parade were received.

The added that community representatives who have liaised with the organisers "have stressed the importance of the parade passing peacefully which has not always been the case in the past".

Representatives also pointed out that for the first time "in a number of years" the organisers had submitted and 11-1 notification, which is required by law.

"They also acknowledged that the organiser had changed the route to avoid the location of Lyra's murder," the determination said.

"The commission recognises the extreme sensitivity and pain of this day for all Lyra's family and indeed the wider community."