DETAILS OF A PROPOSED deal to bring an end to the stand-off between the residents of Garvaghy Road and the Orange Order have emerged this morning.

The agreement, which has already been rejected by the loyalist marching group, would see the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition accept that the Orange Order has a legal right to march along the route approved by the Parades Commission.

The residents would also accept that it was wrong to block the Orange Order from marching along the road, BBC Radio’s Nolan Show reported.

These concessions were made on the condition that the march would not actually go ahead.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart said on Wednesday night that there would be “no capitulation” and that the Orange Order “will not accept a deal where they walk away”. 

Lockhart, who spoke at a loyalist rally in Portadown in support of the Orangemen, told the Press Association: “I can assure you, you’ll hear more from the Orange Order – but what’s on the table is not acceptable.”

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, who is legal adviser to the Portadown Orangemen, also pushed back on suggestions an agreement between the two sides was close, insisting the loyal order members are “not doing any deal”.

“We have been engaged in a talks process with the Secretary of State and the Government, that is true,” he told the same rally.

“What is absolutely not true is the Portadown District are not doing any deal, there is no document on the table.

“And Portadown District would not be doing any deal which doesn’t deliver on the fundamental legal principle and the fundamental legal principle is this – that the Portadown District will walk the Garvaghy Road.”

Legal advisor to the Orange Order and spokesperson Jamie Bryson and DUP MP Carla Lockhart Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The UK’s Northern Ireland secretary, Chris Bryant, has been meeting with delegations from both sides this week in order to try and reach a resolution. 

More talks are expected to take place at Hillsborough Castle today. 

Criminal investigation 

Meanwhile, the PSNI’s chief constable, Jon Boutcher, has appeared before Northern Ireland’s Policing Board today. 

On Wednesday, Boutcher announced that the police had begun a “large-scale” criminal investigation into the protest that has been blocking the march.

Today he reiterated that there will be “consequences” for those who blocked the Garavghy Road on Sunday. 

“Standing in the street, blocking the lawful parade, will have criminal justice consequences for those involved, especially those who incited and organised it,” he told the board.

“We’ve gathered evidence from the outset and established a dedicated and significant inquiry team. Anyone suspected of breaking the law will be investigated.

“Where the evidence supports it, cases will be put to the Public Prosecution Service, and this process will be expedited.”

He added: “The rule of law has to prevail. I want to reiterate that there’s a responsibility on everyone, as I’ve said repeatedly, publicly, to call for calm, not to incite unrest or illegal activity.

“That especially includes elected representatives and others with influence.”

No review needed

Boutcher also told the board he does not believe there is a need to ask Chris Bryant to review the Parades Commission decision to allow the march to go ahead. 

“There is an opportunity for me as the chief constable, if I deem it appropriate to apply to the secretary of state to review a Parades Commission determination.

“There is further legislation within that Act under Section 11, which provides the Secretary of State with a series of comprehensive powers.

“The board simply needs to be reassured that I am constantly reviewing that position.

“But at this stage, it is my judgment that that is not necessary.

“We are creating the time to resolve this, and that is in the interests of everyone.”

Boutcher said the policing operation in Portadown has so far cost £3m (€3.51 million). 

With reporting from Press Association