More than 95 per cent of parades in Northern Ireland during the summer passed off peacefully, according to preliminary figures compiled by the Parades Commission.
Commission chairman Mr Tony Holland paid tribute to all those taking part in the parades and urged dialogue in the off-season to ensure further progress by next year.
He said preliminary figures showed thecCommission had to restrict less than 5 per cent of parades during the key marching season of June, July and August.
"The figures speak for themselves and do not support the assertions, made by some, that we are against parades or are somehow out to destroy the parading culture," said Mr Holland.
He cited Derry in particular, where previously contentious parades took place this year without trouble following local agreement.
"There are some first signs that similar initiatives could get under way elsewhere and we would give them all our encouragement. Indeed we are examining ways in which we can, within the provisions of the law under which we operate, help and promote these efforts," he said.
The commission accepted parade organisers would wish to continue to apply for routes that had been previously, and in many cases consistently, denied, he said.
The commission informed them each decision was for one parade only and that if they continued to reapply for a parade with nothing having changed, there was a risk of a repeat decision.