Coronavirus is having a dramatic effect on world trade and the stock markets… now it is closing down major social and sporting events across the UK and Ireland. And Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has called for the cancellation of the St Patrick’s Day’s Parades across the council area in Downpatrick and Newry.
Already the Irish government have closed down the St Patrick’s parades in Ireland and on Monday evening Belfast City Council voted to cancel the Belfast St Patrick’s Day parade.
All eyes are now on the next biggest parade outside Belfast – in Downpatrick – will it also be on the hit list ?
10th March Update:
Sinn Féin group leader Cllr Willie Clarke has supported the decision to cancel parades in Newry and Downpatrick to celebrate St Patrick’s day.
Cllr Clarke said: “Given the concerns raised by the community in relation to the Coranavirus which is extremely dangerous to the most vulnerable in our community, Council group leaders took the decision on Tuesday morning following discussions with senior council officials, and it is essential that we have an all Ireland response to this epidemic, which is spreading rapidly across Europe.I understand the disappointment participants, organisers, visitors and business are experiencing.”
Cllr Clarke added: “St. Patricks Day is a great time for this region as thousands of citizens and tourists gather in Newry and Downpatrick to celebrate Irish culture and identity in a vibrant and inclusive manner. I understand the disappointment the community will feel in regards the cancellation, lots of effort has been undertaken by organisers, voluntary groups schools and council staff, I would like to see an event held at a later date if it is possible, to reschedule these celebrations, sections of the business community will undoubtedly see a reduction in business, the British government need to provide resources to mitigate these losses.
“As group leader of Sinn Féin I believe there is an obligation on myself and all councillors to protect the health and well-being of our citizens. given the spread of coronavirus and growing concern amongst the public, I believe that as a precaution, postponing the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is the responsible thing to do, the decision to cancel our St Patrick’s day parades was not taken lightly.
9th March 2020: Local St. Patrick’s Day parades should be cancelled Says Clarke
As major public and sporting events are being closed across the UK and Ireland due to the spread of conavirus, Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has told the Chief Executive of Newry Mourne and Down Council that local St. Patrick’s Day parades should be cancelled.
The party’s Council group leader has called for a meeting of all party group leaders this Tuesday morning (today) to make the decision to close the parade for public health reasons..
Speaking on Monday evening, Cllr Willie Clarke said “Tonight, I have told the Chief Executive of Newry Mourne and Down Council that Sinn Féin believes that all local St. Patrick’s Day parades should be cancelled.
“We are also calling for an urgent meeting of all party group leaders to discuss and ultimately make this difficult decision.
“Unfortunately, given the spread of coronavirus and growing concern amongst the public, I believe that as a precaution, postponing St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is the right thing to do.
“Undoubtedly there will be public disappointment in the local community at this kind of decision, as well as financial repercussions for many local businesses.
“But the health and wellbeing of our citizens must be the first and foremost priority for all of us.”
A lot depends now on whether the other council party leaders agree with Cllr Willie Clarke, but given the lead taken by Ireland and Belfast City Council, the cancellation of the Downpatrick and Newry St Patrick’s parades may be a decision Newry Mourne and Down District Council are forced to take.
Cancellation UPDATE Tuesday 10th March 2020:
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has taken the decision this morning to cancel the St Patrick’s Day Parades due to be held in Downpatrick and Newry on 17 March. This decision has been made in consultation with party leaders and is in line with the recent cancellations of St Patrick’s Day parades elsewhere.
“The Council appreciates the negative impact this decision may have on local businesses at this time, however, this decision has been taken as a precaution given our Members’ and the public’s concern around the coronavirus response.”
