A report into the flags protests held in Garvagh last winter, and the impact they had on community relations in the town, will be launched tomorrow (Tuesday).

The study, entitled 'Flagging it up' was carried out by Glendinning Consulting Ltd after Paul Whittaker the rector of St Paul's Garvagh (the parish of Errigal and Desertoghill) expressed concern about the damage that the flag protests had done to relations between Protestants and Catholics in the town.

The flags protest came about following the democratic decision by Belfast City Council to restrict the flying of the union flag to designated days.

The Garvagh report, which was completed by Will Glendinning and James Wilson, notes the 'animation of a new generation to militant action, the dangers of politicians couching the events in the doomsday language of the centuries old sectarian conflict, and highlights the need for a dedicated programme of reconciliation.'

During the Community Relations Council-funded project, the researchers spoke to Catholics and Protestants from Garvagh and the outlying areas on the nature and impact of the protests.

Local councillors, members of the clergy and protestors also gave their views.

The report states that evidence from the focus group research shows that the flag protests, which were held weekly in the town between December 2012 and February 2013, damaged the 'already fragile' community relations in Garvagh.

The report also looks into the background of the protests and examines options to improve community relations and challenge sectarianism in the North Derry village.

The 'rebuilding the bridges project' will be launched in Coleraine Borough council's offices tomorrow (February 4) at 7.30pm.

Bishop Ken a Good (Derry and Raphoe) is expected to attend.

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