National flags placed in a popular Co Down tourist town have prompted concerns they may damage tourism and community relations.
Tri-colours are in place over this weekend in various parts of Newcastle, with locals agreeing there are more of them than in previous years and that they are more prominent.
One large flag was erected on the main roundabout at the entrance to the seaside town. The flags are raised ahead of remembering the 1916 Easter Rising.
DUP Councillor Alan Lewis said the flags were put up on Thursday. He said the flags are “disrupting tourism and damaging community relations”.
“Newcastle is a tourist hot spot over the Easter Holidays and I have heard from some people who own or rent caravans saying they will are not comfortable spending time in the town,” Councillor Lewis said.
Other locals told the Irish News the national flag has flown in the town in previous years but there do appear to be more this year and that they are more prominent. However, there is agreement they are taken down quickly.
British and other flags are also flown in the town around July 12th. Other nearby towns and villages, most notably Clough, fly red, white and blue colours all year round.
Mr Lewis said the national flags were attached to lamp posts early on Thursday at the entrances to the town and along the main street.
He described Newcastle as “a mixed area” that should not be marked or claimed by any one side.
While Mr Lewis said he did not want to tell people what they should remember, but added the annual Easter commemorations also memorialises IRA members from the most recent conflict.
The DUP councillor drew a distinction between British and other union-related flags and the flying of the Irish flag. He said the flying of flags around the 12th of July was part of a religious festival.
Tri-colours are flown every year in the area, said local SDLP Councillor Hugh Gallagher. They are taken down again within days, he added.
"It does have an impact but it is only for a couple of days, There is always discussion and conversation, people are fully aware it happens and it is only for a short period of time," Mr Gallagher said.
