Locals left angry at Lisnaskea closed off for parade

by Gráinne Connolly

Local business people and shoppers have been complaining that the town of Lisnaskea was "effectively closed down" last Saturday (5th August). 

It was to facilitate the Royal Black Institution's annual demonstration. 

The PSNI stated on facebook two days before the parade that the town would be closed off from 1pm. 

However, it was apparently closed off earlier than it was supposed to. 

Sinn Féin MLA Seán Lynch has said businesses were forced to close down and lost trading on the busiest day of the week. 

The Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA said: 

“Whilst I support the rights of all communities to practice and enjoy their culture, I question the logic of closing Lisnaskea all day Saturday. 

"I have been inundated with complaints from businesses and residents who were absolutely furious about the town being closed down from early morning to evening.   

“Both the Parades Commission and the PSNI need to reflect on the disruption caused to the everyday life of the town in order to facilitate this parade.

"The level of disruption cannot be allowed to happen again.

“Local businesses have noted that they were down the takings on their busiest day of the week, while shoppers were refused entry to the town from 10.30am as bands marched through the town as they arrived before the main parade started. 

“The associated forms for the parade indicate that such disruption to the town should not have occurred until 1pm, yet shoppers trying to get into the town were refused entry from early morning.

“I will be seeking meetings with the Parades Commission and the PSNI to raise concerns and issues regarding Saturday’s Parade”.