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Deal reached on Ardoyne parade impasse

A deal has been struck between nationalist residents' group CARA and the Orange Order over a disputed parade route in the Ardoyne area.

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Senior policeman hails ‘peaceful’ parade in Ardoyne

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin has welcomed the peaceful conclusion to the Ardoyne parade on Saturday and thanked his officers for policing the protest camp over the last three years.

PSNI ACC Stephen Martin pictured. Credit: Presseye

He said he was thankful that the parades and protests that took place on Friday evening and Saturday morning passed off without incident “due to the concerted effort of a wide number of individuals”.

“The impact that positive dialogue and discussion has played in this process cannot be underestimated and I congratulate all those who helped today to happen,” he said.

“Police are committed to playing our part in maintaining community safety and we hope that the local agreement that has been reached in this particular part of North Belfast will allow the policing resources that previously had to be allocated to the nightly protest and associated security operation, to be re-directed into addressing issues such as drugs, burglary and car crime which affect people’s quality of life.

This particular parade impasse in North Belfast has been running for over three years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the police officers, who were present in North Belfast on a daily basis to serve and protect the community.

On a number of occasions these officers were attacked by violent dissident republicans, who were intent on killing. But undeterred the officers continued to serve the local community. I want to thank them for their resolve and commitment to policing with the community.

– PSNI ACC Stephen Martin
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Deal reached on Ardoyne parade impasse

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