Police have issued a traffic warning for Portrush ahead of planned demonstrations this Saturday after organisers secured permission for a right‑wing anti‑immigration rally and a separate parade, with counter‑protests scheduled nearby.
What is planned
The rally, promoted by Our Northern Ireland Voice (ONIV) and fronted by a linked group called Causeway Coast and Glens Concerned Parents, is due to begin in the car park on Sandhill Drive at 2pm. Officers say a parade organised by the same group will assemble at 3.15pm and move off at 3.30pm, later dispersing at around 4.45pm.
Separately, an event by Solidarity Skate will assemble at Station Square at 2pm and remain until 4pm. It will then carry out a parade of two laps of a town route, expected to finish at 6pm. A counter‑protest is due to take place at Station Road.
“Road users may experience some delays due to the parading elements of these two events between 3.30pm and 6pm,”
a Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said, adding that officers would be present to facilitate both parades.
Routes and likely disruption
Police have set out the route for the Concerned Parents parade, which will move through several central streets before finishing at Dunluce Car Park. Motorists and visitors are being asked to expect congestion during the afternoon and early evening.
| Event | Assemble | Route / Notes | Expected finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concerned Parents rally & parade | 2pm (Sandhill Drive car park) | Sandhill Drive car park → Eglinton St → Kerr St → Harbour Hill → Upper/Lower Main St → Dunluce Ave → Dunluce Car Park | Approximately 4.45pm |
| Solidarity Skate parade | 2pm (Station Square) | Two laps via Station Square, Kerr St, Main St, Eglinton St | Approximately 6pm |
Who is involved
- Our Northern Ireland Voice (ONIV) — the wider group that has organised previous gatherings in the area.
- Causeway Coast and Glens Concerned Parents — described by the Parades Commission as linked to ONIV and organising the Sandhill Drive event.
- Solidarity Skate — an authorised parade with participants and supporters expected.
- Union representation — the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) has indicated it will join Causeway Trade Union in attending the Saturday activity.
ONIV has previously held gatherings in Coleraine town centre and outside the Magherabuoy Hotel in Portrush. Speakers at more prominent events associated with the campaign have drawn modest crowds, and some have been noted for anti‑immigration rhetoric.
Advice for residents and visitors
Police urged both road users and members of the public to be aware of likely congestion between 3.30pm and 6pm while the parading elements are underway. Officers will be present to manage the events and facilitate safe passage where possible.
People planning to visit Portrush on Saturday should consider alternative travel times or routes, allow extra time for journeys, and follow directions from attending officers. Those with accessibility needs or mobility concerns who may be affected by road closures should plan ahead.
Further updates are expected from the PSNI and local councils as events progress.
