Statement by Minister McEntee on the Garvaghy Road developments

I am following events on the Garvaghy Road closely and am very concerned about the situation on the ground.

There has been significant progress in the past 30 years in relation to marches, and my primary concern is to avoid a return to the divisions of the past.

That is why it is the responsibility of those of us in positions of leadership to act responsibly and deescalate the situation.

I am conscious of the fears and concerns of the Garvaghy Road residents, who my officials have engaged closely with over the past week.

I am also in close contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Bryant and we both believe that people across Northern Ireland do not want to return to the divisions of the past.

I will engage closely with the British government, the parties in Northern Ireland, and people on the ground over the coming days.

ENDS