Hanson Supports Belfast Orange Parade Initiative

30 June 2006
HANSON SUPPORTS BELFAST ORANGE PARADE INITIATIVE

David Hanson MP today announced support for an initiative to enhance future 12th of July parades in central Belfast.
The Social Development Minister has approved an application from the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast for funding of a new Development Officer post. The officer will work to promote positive aspects of the Belfast Parade with the following objectives:

to improve community relations;

to promote greater understanding of the Orange Cultural tradition;

to develop the 12th July as a major cultural tourism event;

to promote 'Orangefest' as a fully inclusive, family friendly event;

to develop the festival as an economic promotional day for businesses;

to promote Belfast in a positive light and encourage visitors to watch the Parade.

The Minister said: "Belfast City Centre is about to experience rapid growth in retail, leisure and tourism. Victoria Square will open in 2008, followed by the renewal of the North East Quarter and further development in Cathedral Quarter. The City Centre is a place where all sections of the community and visitors feel safe, welcome and at home.
"It is therefore disappointing that during the marching season the City Centre and some of the main arterial routes either close down or are abandoned by those who do not feel comfortable with the parades. Given the urban renewal under way in Belfast I believe that the time is right to see whether the Orange Order can achieve a broader understanding and acceptance of Orange culture and tradition across the community.
"If the Order can achieve this, then the City Centre and arterial routes will benefit, business and traders will benefit and, importantly, all sections of the community will benefit. I have therefore approved an application for funding of a Development Officer for a period of three years submitted by the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The cost of funding the post is estimated at Ł104,000 over three years.

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