Overview
- A large unnotified blockade on Sunday stopped the Portadown District Orange Order from walking the traditional Garvaghy Road route approved by the Parades Commission.
- Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday that the operation has cost about £3 million so far and that forcibly clearing the road would have risked serious harm.
- Boutcher confirmed a large-scale criminal investigation is under way into those who blocked the route and that evidence gathering will be expedited to consider prosecutions.
- Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has led talks and tabled a reported compromise that residents would acknowledge the Order’s legal right if the Order agreed not to walk the road, but loyalist leaders rejected the proposal.
- A fresh legal challenge by Garvaghy Road residents is due in court on Friday and the Policing Board has opened an internal inquiry into Sinn Féin member Deirdre Hargey over alleged participation in the protest, increasing political strain on local institutions.