Concern 1916 parade will affect services at cathedral

The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev John Neill, has made representations to the Taoiseach about plans to seal off areas near Christ Church cathedral from Holy Saturday, prior to the 1916 parade.

It would mean Church of Ireland members who hoped to attend the Easter vigil there at 9pm may not be able to do so. There are also fears people may be unable to attend the 11am Eucharist service on Sunday.

The parade is due to begin at Dublin Castle, continuing down Dame Street to O'Connell Street via Westmoreland Street. It will pause at O'Connell Bridge to allow for ceremonies at the GPO. The Church of Ireland will be represented on the reviewing stand.

A spokesman for the archbishop said he had no problem with the parade but was concerned that arrangements may disrupt services at Christ Church.

Both Garda and Defence Forces spokespeople said they understood there would not be any restriction on pedestrians in the Christ Church area.

Meanwhile, the Humanist Association of Ireland has welcomed its invitation to be represented on the parade reviewing stand at the GPO as a "great step forward".