Council re-routes St Patrick’s parades over police concerns
TWO St Patrick’s Day marches have been re-routed by the council due to police concerns over counter-protests leading to serious disorder.
Cairde na hEireann agreed to alter its route to avoid George Square and its cenotaph.
But the James Connolly Republican Flute Band did not agree to the council’s request to re-route away from the Govan War Memorial.
This means Glasgow’s authority has issued a legal order on the organiser, imposing a new route.
Police Scotland and the council believe there is a “strong likelihood” marches will be met with counter protests, with the potential for serious public disorder.
They say intelligence relates to known tensions over parades passing war memorials.
A council spokesman said: “The council never takes the decision to impose conditions on a procession lightly – however, having considered intelligence from Police Scotland, this is a proportional and necessary step.
“We recognise the constructive approach taken by Cairde na hEireann in agreeing to alter its route.”
Cairde na hEireann’s procession will go between Blythswood Square and Barrowland Park on Saturday.
Information yesterday morning from Police Scotland on the Govan march “makes it clear they expect a significant number of protesters to gather at the memorial prepared to engage in public disorder”.
The new route for the James Connolly band march is: Elder Street, Govan Road, Golspie Street, Govan Road, Orkney Street, Broomloan Road, Summerton Road, Dunsmuir Street, Vicarfield Street, Orkney Street, Govan Road, Golspie Street, Govan Road, Skipness Drive, Drive Road, Langlands Road, Crossloan Road and Craigton Road
The legal order was made by council officers authority.
Hundreds of riot police were called to Govan Road in August, last year, after an Irish Unity march by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band was met by opposing loyalist supporters.
In September, a police officer was injured by a firework after protests against two Republican marches led to 10 people being arrested. under delegated