Strabane city council bans Tricolour from 'cross-community' St Patrick's Day celebrations

The Tricolour has been banned from the official St Patrick's Day celebrations in Strabane in Co Tyrone.

The city council says it has imposed the ban on the Irish flag because they want the event to be a cross-community, family-focused celebration.

Funding of £30,000 (€34,000) has been set aside for the St Patrick's Day celebrations.

A spokesperson for the council said they are committed to promoting inclusion and integration in the community.

In a statement quoted by BBC, a council spokesperson said: "Flags and emblems will not be included in the official parade which is planned for the enjoyment of everyone.

"[The] council is committed to promoting inclusion and integration within and between communities in all its activities, events and programmes."

However, it is believed members of the public will be able to bring their own flags, as the move applies to the official aspect of the event.