Court of Appeal backs Drumcree parade decision after overnight hearing

In a marathon session that began after 12:20 am, the Court of Appeal heard arguments over the long-standing Drumcree parade dispute and issued its decision at 2:15 am. The judges, including Lady Chief Justice Siobhan Keegan, found that the Parades Commission had acted within its remit by weighing evidence and reaching a reasoned conclusion, and therefore the appeal by Portadown Orangeman Alan Hynes was upheld. The ruling overturns a prior injunction imposed by Justice Patricia Smyth, which had paused the Orange Order’s notification of the march.

Lawyers for the Garvaghy Road residents highlighted gaps in the police risk assessment, while the Orange Order argued the case centered on protecting minority rights. The decision revives a route that has sparked violent clashes in the 1990s and remains a flashpoint between unionist and nationalist communities.