Deal struck in three-year row over Belfast parade

An agreement has been reached to resolve a long-running parade dispute in north Belfast.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has commended the spirit of co-operation and mutual respect between all sides involved.

The three-year row began after the PSNI stopped Orange Order members from marching past nationalist homes in the Ardoyne area after their annual 12th of July parade.

In response bandsmen set up a permanent camp on the junction of Twaddell Avenue and Crumlin Road - which has cost the PSNI more than £20m to police.

It is understood the agreement reached will allow the camp to be dismantled and the Orange Order will be allowed complete its march.

The move has been welcomed by politicians from both sides of the border.

On Twitter Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described it as a powerful endorsement of "dialogue and inclusitivy".

I warmly welcome tonight's agreement between CARA & local Orange Order in N.Belfast.This is a powerful endorsement of dialogue & inclusitivy

— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) September 23, 2016

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan acknowledged the spirit of genuine engagement and reconciliation by all sides.