Legal challenge by Garvaghy Road residents to stop parade

A LEGAL challenge to the Parades Commission decision to allow Orangemen to walk the Garvaghy Road is under way at the Court of Appeal.

A stand-off in Portadown sparked by the controversial ruling has been going on for more than a week.

It follows a Parades Commission determination last Friday to permit 35 members of Portadown District to march along the Garvaghy Road.

Last Sunday, residents and supporters blocked the Garvaghy Road to stop the march which was due to start at Drumcree church at 8am.

Numerous attempts to march have all been stopped by the PSNI.

Talks between Portadown District, the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition and Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant have failed to find a solution to the prolonged stalemate.

The fresh Court of Appeal application argues that the Parades Commission had "materially misdirected itself" on the police assessment of the potential for disorder.

As members of the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition and their legal team entered the court building, there was applause and cheers from members of the crowd outside the court.

WATCH: Breandán Mac Cionnaith and Garvaghy Road Residents’ legal team greeted with applause and cheers as they arrive at court. pic.twitter.com/Khw019Pf1F

— Andersonstown News (@ATownNews) October 5, 2026

Jamie Bryson, legal advisor to Portadown District, and Carla Lockhart MP were seen arriving with members of Portadown District earlier.

Speaking outside court, West Belfast MP Paul Maskey thanked people for their support.

"Your support has been incredible for the residents of Garvaghy Road and I would ask everyone to remain here," he said.

"It is very important that we continue to show our support."