Drumcree: Two deals discussed before parade ban, says Bryant

The chief constable said last week that the consequences of police forcing an Orange Order march down the Garvaghy Road “could be catastrophic”.

He had said while the PSNI’s objective was to facilitate the determination, this could not be done “at all costs”.

In his application to have Sir Chris review the ruling, Boutcher said that costs were a factor.

“I highlighted that the continuing costs and impact upon the PSNI were significant and in the context of our existing funding challenges could not be sustained indefinitely,” he stated.

The PSNI has said the cost of policing the two-week stand-off has been about £5m, but warned that figure could rise.

During the policing operation, about 140 officers were drafted in from across the UK to help under mutual aid arrangements. They have now left Northern Ireland.

The dispute has also prompted a police investigation.

The First Minister Michelle O’Neill confirmed she had received a letter from police investigating protests over Drumcree.

On Thursday, police said they had begun issuing letters inviting people “reasonably suspected” of committing offences linked to the protests to interview.

Two weeks ago, the Parades Commission issued a determination saying that the Orange Order parade was to be allowed on the Garvaghy Road with restrictions in place.

That prompted a legal challenge from the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition which opposed the march.

The Court of Appeal is considering whether to allow a challenge to the Parades Commission’s ruling, which has been lodged by residents.