Parades Commission approves limited Orange Order march on Garvaghy Road amid unionist and nationalist backlash

The Parades Commission issued a ruling permitting an Orange Order procession on Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The permission limits the march to an 8 a.m. start, a maximum of 35 participants, no bands or supporters, and requires dispersal by 9:30 a.m., with only the Portadown District banner allowed. Unionist representatives welcomed the decision as a breakthrough for their community. Sinn Féin representatives condemned the ruling and called for it to be blocked. Police will deploy a substantial security presence, including officers from outside the region, to oversee the event.