Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that he is keeping under review a request to meet with representatives of the Garvaghy Road residents in Portadown regarding the Drumcree parading dispute, following the appointment of a mediation facilitator by the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland.

The Parades Commission confirmed it appointed TIDES Mediation NI in an effort to facilitate dialogue between the Orange Order and local residents ahead of a proposed march application for Sunday, September 27. Portadown District LOL 1 applied for 60 members to walk along its traditional route, which includes the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road where Orange Order parades have been restricted since 1998 following years of severe civil unrest.

While unionist representatives welcomed the move toward formal mediation, the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition rejected the appointment of the facilitator, citing concerns over a conflict of interest. Sinn Féin leaders, including party president Mary Lou McDonald and Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd, called on the Irish Government to engage directly with residents, arguing that both Dublin and London hold responsibilities to protect the peace established over the past 28 years.

Speaking in response to parliamentary questions, Mr Martin confirmed that Irish officials remain actively engaged on the matter and acknowledged receipt of a formal invitation to meet residents. He reiterated that a recent Belfast High Court judgment concerning the Parades Commission was based on procedural grounds rather than approval for a march to proceed. The Parades Commission is expected to issue its determination on the parade application in the coming days.