Easter traffic warning issued by PSNI ahead of parades across Northern Ireland

Traffic disruption is expected across Northern Ireland over the Easter holidays due to a series of parades held to mark the occasion.

The PSNI has issued a series of warnings impacting parts of Belfast, Co Down, Co Fermanagh, Co Tyrone, and Co Derry.

They have advised that traffic delays can be expected with some diversions in place on Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.

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A spokesperson for the PSNI added: "There will be some parking restrictions along main parade routes across the Easter weekend and organisers have asked the public to respect any area identified for blue badge holders or where No Parking Cones are placed.

"Officers will be on the ground to accommodate the flow of traffic and minimise delays. Street Traders wishing to trade along parade routes must have a valid Street Traders License issued by the local council. Stallholders should ensure that their stall does not encroach onto the road."

Here are the details from police of expected traffic disruption across Northern Ireland this Easter:

Easter Saturday parades (April 19)

Annalong, Co Down: A parade is taking place in Annalong on Easter Saturday which may cause some disruption to traffic. Bands and participants will assemble at 7pm and proceed along Marine Park, Glassdrumman Road, Main Street, Shore Road, Ulster Avenue, Kilkeel Road, Kilhore Parish Church, Main Street, concluding at the Harbour at around 11pm.

Easter Sunday parades (April 20)

West Belfast: Parades in the area are expected to take place between 11am and 4pm. Please be advised of traffic disruption expected in the Falls Road, Whiterock Road and Divis Street areas during this time. Officers will be in the area to assist with traffic control measures. In order to avoid any delays, road users are urged to leave extra time for their journey, or seek an alternative route. Newry: Delays should be anticipated in Newry on Easter Sunday due to a parade. Participants will gather in the area of Kilmorey Terrace at around 10.30am and then parade along Monaghan Street, Patrick Street, Francis Street, Buttercrane Quay, William Street, Kilmorey Street, Warrenpoint Road for dispersal at St Marys Cemetery, Greenbank. Castlewellan, Co Down: A parade in Castlewellan on Easter Sunday may cause some disruption. Participants and supporters are expected to gather at around 3pm in Lower Square and proceed to Main Street, around Library, Circular Road, Newcastle Road and Lower Square for dispersal between 4pm and 4.30pm. The Loup, Co Derry: Delays should be expected in the Loup on Easter Sunday due to a parade. Participants and supporters will assemble at St Patricks RC Church at 2pm with the parade moving off from that location at approximately 2:30pm. It will then proceed along Ballyneill Road, Ruskey Road and Loup Road, returning along the same route at around 3.30pm. The parade is expected to disperse at around 4pm. Draperstown, Co Derry: A parade in Draperstown on Easter Sunday is expected to cause some delays in the town from around 4pm. Participants and supporters are due to assemble at St Colms Primary School, leaving the school at 4.30pm and proceeding along Desertmartin Road and onto Main Street. The procession will then u-turn at Glenelly Villas, before moving to the Main Street roundabout, Tobermore Road to finish at the Diamond at around 5pm. Carrickmore, Co Tyrone: A parade is due to take place in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday with delays expected. The parade will assemble at the Patrician Hall, moving off at around 3:30pm. The procession will then travel along Creggan Road, Malabhui Road, Termon Road to Drumnakilly Road for a service to take place between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. The parade will then return to the Patrician Hall, to disperse at around 6pm. Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh: A parade will take place in Lisnaskea this Easter Sunday, assembling at Trasna Way to begin at 3pm. From there it will proceed along Lisnaskea Road, Castle Lane, Main Street, Bank Brae, and onto the Knocks Road, with dispersal expected at around 5pm.

Easter Monday parades (April 21)

Swartagh, Co Derry: Delays are expected in Swatragh from 2pm on Easter Monday due to a parade. Participants and supporters will assemble at Kilrea Road, Swatragh moving off at around 2:30pm. The parade will then proceed along Kilrea Road, Main Street, Moneysharvan Road to arrive at Granaghan Chapel, before making its return journey back along Moneysharvan Road, Main Street to finish at Kilrea Road for dispersal at around 4pm. Carrickmore, Co Tyrone: Delays are expected in Carrickmore on Easter Monday from 2pm due to a parade. The procession will leave the Patrician Hall at around 3pm and proceed along Main Street, Creggan Road Malabhui Termon Road, and Main Street to Drumnakilly Road. The parade will make their return journey from there at around 4.30pm along Drumnakilly Road back onto Main Street to finish at Patrician Hall at around 5pm.

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