New details about the next phase of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry

NEW details have emerged about the areas due to be examined as part of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry, which is expected to resume in the town this June following the emotional commemorative and personal statement hearings.

The bomb, which detonated on August 15, 1998, in Market Street, claimed the lives of 31 people. Hundreds more were injured in the explosion, which devastated the local community and came just months after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Inquiry, which began in January at the Strule Arts Centre, has already heard powerful testimony from the families of those killed, survivors, PSNI members, and other first responders.

Now, the Inquiry has published its Chapter List outlining the structure for the upcoming oral evidence hearings. These chapters are intended to provide a framework for the Inquiry’s work, grouping relevant issues together for more detailed examination.

In June, proceedings will begin with opening statements from Core Participants. The Inquiry will then move on to consider incidents that occurred prior to and during 1997 and 1998 – including a series of bombings in towns across the North in the weeks leading up to the Omagh attack.

Later chapters will focus on intelligence surrounding the bombing before concluding with closing statements from Core Participants.

A timetable for these hearings has yet to be confirmed. A decision on whether there will be a separate oral hearing relating to recommendations from the Inquiry remains under review.

In a statement on its website, the Inquiry Legal Team said it anticipates receiving restriction order applications from State Core Participants. These orders would limit access to certain documents and information for security or legal reasons.

“The Inquiry Legal Team is determined that, so far as possible, evidence from the Republic of Ireland will be called in accordance with the Chapter Division,” the statement added.

“Once the Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Ireland has been finalised, and practical arrangements have been addressed, Core Participants will be updated accordingly.”