RIR homecoming parades 'possible'

The RIR soldiers are based in Helmand province

A senior officer in the Royal Irish Regiment has said there are plans for homecoming parades for soldiers.

Discussions are currently under way with Belfast and Castlereagh Councils, among others, about the possibility of staging parades.

The 2nd Battalion have been carrying out duties in Afghanistan since March, based in Helmand province.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Cullen says the soldiers' efforts should be recognised.

"There are plans afoot at the moment for various types of parades around the whole of Northern Ireland," he said.

"If they come, which I'm sure they will do, then it will be a great opportunity for people to go out onto the streets and applaud the soldiers from their part of the United Kingdom.

"We also have soldiers from the south who have stood and fought alongside each other in what has been the most demanding of operations."