The Parades Commission is considering applications for two separate events on the Newry canal towpath near Scarva on June 6.

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign Lurgan plans a march of up to 1,500 people from Lurgan to Omeath between 8:30am and 5pm.

Markethill Volunteers Flute Band has applied for a D-Day commemoration and sponsored walk with 500 participants and 500 spectators on the same route from 10am to 4:40pm.

Scarva residents have notified plans for a protest on the same day.

DUP MLA Jonny Buckley said the combination of the sponsored walk, the larger march and the protest creates concern over numbers and potential disorder.

Buckley and fellow DUP representatives met the Parades Commission on Wednesday and stated that residents do not want a repeat of last year's tensions and arrests in Scarva.

The IPSC Lurgan told the Parades Commission that the march is intended as a peaceful demonstration in support of the Palestinian people and that organisers are committed to a safe and inclusive event.

Both parades and the protest have been classified as sensitive by the Parades Commission, which has not yet issued determinations.

Police are preparing a major operation for the events.