Yet another flags row in Limavady

East Londonderry MLA Cathal Ó hOisín accused those who erected Unionist flags along the route of an St Patrick’s Day parade of attempting to raise tensions in Limavady.

He said: “Last night 21 unionist flags were erected along the Edenmore and Scroogey Roads which is also part of the route of the St Patrick’s Day parade. I believe that this is an attempt to heighten tensions in the town ahead of tomorrow’s parade.

“Over the past few years the St Patrick’s Day parade organisers have been working towards making the parade more inclusive and family orientated and those who erected the flags last night are attempting to undo this work.

“The flags issue has been one of contention in the Limavady area over the past few years and while nationalists have towards a voluntary agreement on the flying of flags this has not been reciprocated by sections of the Unionist community.

“I am calling on Unionist political and community leaders to work towards having these flags removed and join with the rest of the community in making St Patrick’s Day in Limavady a place where everyone can feel they can participate and enjoy the festival no matter what political or religious persuasion they hold.”

This follows a long line of disputes in the Roe Valley area involving the use of flags in public places.