Flanagan rejects Orange Arch plans

Rodney Edwards • Published 18 Feb 2012 09:00 0 Comments

SINN Fein MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Phil Flanagan has heavily criticised plans by loyalists to erect an Orange Arch in Enniskillen and has accused organisers of creating divisions in the area.

The Impartial Reporter revealed on Thursday that loyalist organisers want to erect an Orange Arch on East Bridge Street in time for this year's Twelfth of July celebrations in Enniskillen.

Following our story Sinn Fein's Phil Flanagan released a statement rejecting the idea. He said: "For anyone to seriously consider this a good idea is laughable if it were not so serious. Erecting such a structure on East Bridge Street will have a negative impact on local traders and visitor perception. Many of us have been working hard to promote Enniskillen and improve its image. This proposal will just damage that work.

"Enniskillen is no longer a garrison town and community relations are generally good. Erecting this arch and having 19 annual loyalist band parades have a negative impact on the lives of nationalists and some unionists within the town, plus the many visitors we welcome."

Mr. Flanagan says he has contacted Roads Service to arrange a meeting to outline his concerns.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Feb 12

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