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Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  Press Statements

Orangemen To Meet To Discuss Whiterock Recommendation

22 June 2006

Senior officers of the Orange Order's Belfast No9 District who are organising this Saturday's Whiterock Parade in West Belfast are recommending a reduction in the number of Orangemen who will walk through the Workman Avenue security gates on to the Springfield Road.

A spokesman said the recommendation - which will be put to a meeting of No9 District this evening - was being made with deep regret and considerable concern for the future.

The move comes after an intensive community consultation process following Monday's announcement from the Parades Commission that only 50 Orangemen consisting of district officers and one lodge should walk through the Workman Avenue gates.

"Not for the first time, the Parades Commission has woefully misunderstood our position", said the District spokesman. "The Whiterock has always been a District parade, and to seek to confine access to just one of our eight lodges is deeply divisive. Neither do we have any confidence that the Commission's formula can deliver a lasting long-term solution.

"However, in the interests of the wider community within the Greater Shankill area and to try and ensure that there is no repetition of the disturbances that occurred last year, we will be urging our members this evening to show courage and leadership by agreeing to a reduction in the numbers parading through the Workman Avenue gates on to the Springfield Road."

In reaching their decision, the District officers said they were grateful for the help and advice from the Grand Orange Lodge, the Belfast County Grand Lodge and the North & West Parades Forum. "Their input has been invaluable" said the spokesman.

The District officers stressed that they will continue their efforts to bring about a lasting resolution to the issues surrounding the Whiterock parade and to build a shared future.

"No road should 'belong' to just one group of people. The Springfield Road is a main arterial route used by both Catholics and Protestants on a daily basis with a state school, a Methodist church and a mixed community living along it. We will spare no effort to ensure that it remains open to all.

"In the meantime we call on everyone in the area on Saturday to show calm and common sense and ensure that the day passes off peacefully."



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