Irish foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee has said the only solution to the Drumcree parade dispute is for the Orange Order and the residents of the Garvaghy Road to come to an agreement.
Speaking in Dublin, the Fine Gael minister said history has shown that the only way to find a resolution in Northern Ireland is where "both sides can potentially move forward".
Ms McEntee said that "irrespective" of the Court of Appeal judgment, both sides should come to an agreement.
Pressure on the Government
Her comments come as the Government in Dublin has been urged to do more over the dispute, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald calling on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to put pressure on the Northern Ireland Secretary.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has also accused the Fianna Fáil leader of "standing idly by" over the matter.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant is facing mounting pressure to intervene on the impasse and to appoint an international mediator.
Parade blocked
It comes after Northern Ireland's Parades Commission allowed the parade along its traditional route on the Garvaghy Road for the first time for almost 30 years. However, it has been unable to proceed because of police concerns about disorder.
Members of the Portadown District of the Orange Order remain at Drumcree Church, demanding to be allowed to begin their parade. Protesters have maintained a presence on the Garvaghy Road, insisting that what they see as a "triumphalist" parade should not be allowed, citing the violent history of the march in the 1990s.
Role of the Irish Government
Ms McEntee said she speaks to the Secretary of State on a daily basis.
"The Irish government has a role in trying to bring people together and in trying to ensure that if there is a solution and an agreement between both the residents and indeed the Orange Order, that we are there to support that," she added.
"But the discussions themselves, led by the Secretary of State, have to take place. Where I see my role and this Government's role is making sure that we can support whatever agreement is put in place.
"But beyond that as well, the impact that this is having, not just on communities in Drumcree, but the wider communities, is quite significant. I've been engaging with community organisations and groups on the ground as well, who are already seeing an increase in people reaching out to them and seeking assistance.
"We also have an important role in terms of powersharing. While the focus might be on Drumcree and what's happening around the parade, obviously this is going to have and potentially may have a knock-on impact on relations more broadly with powersharing and the Executive."
She said the Irish Government is engaging with political parties in Northern Ireland to ensure it does not impact on the Executive.
Court of Appeal case
Ms McEntee said there is a lot of focus on the Court of Appeal case. Judgment has been reserved in the legal challenge against the decision which legally permits the Orange Order to march along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The case has been taken by the residents of the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road.
"Irrespective of that, I would say, and it's not to dismiss what the outcome is, irrespective, I believe the only way that there will be a solution is where the residents and the Orange Order come to an agreement," Ms McEntee added.
"History has shown us, anything in Northern Ireland, that's the only way that you find a resolution, where both sides can potentially move forward. It's a challenging environment, it's difficult, but there's a lot of people who have, I suppose, really put a huge amount of work into this over the last week or so, and I'm confident that we will be able to find a solution."
