Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant chaired a third day of talks at Hillsborough Castle on Wednesday aimed at resolving the Drumcree parade dispute, which has left the Orange Order unable to complete a route along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown since Sunday.

The discussions involved the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition and the Portadown Orange Order, but the two sides did not meet directly. Instead, they waited in separate rooms before speaking with Bryant in what were described as proximity talks.

Both delegations arrived without comment. Breandán Mac Cionnaith of the residents' coalition declined to answer questions, while Portadown District Master Nigel Dawson and Deputy District Master Alastair Power were accompanied by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, who assisted with legal matters but stayed in a separate area during the discussions.

The impasse follows a legal ruling that overturned a long-standing Parades Commission ban on the march. The commission had permitted the parade to proceed on Sunday with restrictions, but a large crowd blocked the road, prompting police to halt the march on public safety grounds.

The PSNI has said it is conducting an evidence-gathering operation and assessing potential prosecutions. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stated that police would continue to uphold the Parades Commission determination but would not risk violent disorder.

Meanwhile, the TUV has submitted motions to the Assembly seeking to remove four Sinn Féin ministers, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill, over their presence at the roadblock. The motions require cross-community support and are not expected to pass.

The Orange Order made another attempt to walk the route late Tuesday, but police again declined. Residents have maintained a continuous protest presence, with some saying they camped overnight through adverse weather.

Both sides are scheduled to meet Bryant again, and a further court hearing on a residents' legal challenge is set for Friday.