Menu
02/02/2023
Independent Inquiry Into 1998 Omagh Bombing Announced
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, has announced that an independent statutory inquiry will be established into the preventability of the Omagh bombing in August 1998.
This is in response to a High Court judgment that found there were specific issues that gave rise to plausible arguments that the bombing by the Real IRA could have been prevented.
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the Omagh Bombing in 1998, and four members of the Real IRA were subsequently found liable for the bombing in civil proceedings held in Northern Ireland. This inquiry does nothing to counter these findings, which are clear in who was responsible for this awful atrocity.
The independent statutory inquiry will examine the four issues identified by the High Court; the handling and sharing of intelligence, the use of cell phone analysis, whether there was advance knowledge or reasonable means of knowledge of the bomb, and whether disruption operations could or should have been mounted, which may have helped prevent the Real IRA's attack.
It will have the full powers provided by the Inquiries Act 2005, including the ability to compel the production of all relevant materials and witnesses and take evidence under oath.
Limiting the inquiry to the specific findings of the High Court will ensure that the Government can comply with its international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. A final report will be published that will respond to each of the issues identified by the Court.
Work has begun to establish the independent statutory inquiry as soon as possible. The appointment of an inquiry Chairperson will be announced and the inquiry's terms of reference will also be published in due course.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP said: "The Omagh bomb was a horrific terrorist atrocity committed by the Real IRA, which caused untold damage to the families of those who were tragically killed and injured. Its impact was felt not just in Northern Ireland, but across the world.
"Having carefully considered the judgment of the High Court, I believe that an independent statutory inquiry is the most appropriate form of further investigation to address the grounds identified by the Court.
"I would like to thank the victims and survivors and all those affected by the Omagh bomb for their patience whilst I have reflected on the judgment and taken into account a range of sensitive, complex and technical factors."
Welcoming the announcement, DUP Legacy Spokesperson Emma Little Pengelly said: "Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has previously met with the families of those murdered in the Omagh bomb to support their call and the recommendation of the courts that there should be an Article 2 compliant investigation.
"The terrorists who left the bomb, did so on a street full of shoppers on a Saturday afternoon. This was an attack that whilst perpetrated within Northern Ireland, was planned, prepared and transported across the border from within the Republic. This was recognised by Mr Justice Horner’s conclusion in the application for a judicial review.
"He outlined the 'real advantage' of a simultaneous Article 2 compliant investigation proceeding in the Republic of Ireland. The terrorist activity crossed the border and any investigation requires action on both sides of that border to be fully effective. This is something that has always been recognised by the families.
"The opportunity for both truth and justice is something that should never be denied to anyone who has suffered at the hands of terrorists. The United Kingdom Government has taken this step today. The Irish Government should now make clear whether they will fulfil the wish of the families and advance the opportunity for truth and justice by announcing a simultaneous equivalent investigation."
This is in response to a High Court judgment that found there were specific issues that gave rise to plausible arguments that the bombing by the Real IRA could have been prevented.
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the Omagh Bombing in 1998, and four members of the Real IRA were subsequently found liable for the bombing in civil proceedings held in Northern Ireland. This inquiry does nothing to counter these findings, which are clear in who was responsible for this awful atrocity.
The independent statutory inquiry will examine the four issues identified by the High Court; the handling and sharing of intelligence, the use of cell phone analysis, whether there was advance knowledge or reasonable means of knowledge of the bomb, and whether disruption operations could or should have been mounted, which may have helped prevent the Real IRA's attack.
It will have the full powers provided by the Inquiries Act 2005, including the ability to compel the production of all relevant materials and witnesses and take evidence under oath.
Limiting the inquiry to the specific findings of the High Court will ensure that the Government can comply with its international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. A final report will be published that will respond to each of the issues identified by the Court.
Work has begun to establish the independent statutory inquiry as soon as possible. The appointment of an inquiry Chairperson will be announced and the inquiry's terms of reference will also be published in due course.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP said: "The Omagh bomb was a horrific terrorist atrocity committed by the Real IRA, which caused untold damage to the families of those who were tragically killed and injured. Its impact was felt not just in Northern Ireland, but across the world.
"Having carefully considered the judgment of the High Court, I believe that an independent statutory inquiry is the most appropriate form of further investigation to address the grounds identified by the Court.
"I would like to thank the victims and survivors and all those affected by the Omagh bomb for their patience whilst I have reflected on the judgment and taken into account a range of sensitive, complex and technical factors."
Welcoming the announcement, DUP Legacy Spokesperson Emma Little Pengelly said: "Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has previously met with the families of those murdered in the Omagh bomb to support their call and the recommendation of the courts that there should be an Article 2 compliant investigation.
"The terrorists who left the bomb, did so on a street full of shoppers on a Saturday afternoon. This was an attack that whilst perpetrated within Northern Ireland, was planned, prepared and transported across the border from within the Republic. This was recognised by Mr Justice Horner’s conclusion in the application for a judicial review.
"He outlined the 'real advantage' of a simultaneous Article 2 compliant investigation proceeding in the Republic of Ireland. The terrorist activity crossed the border and any investigation requires action on both sides of that border to be fully effective. This is something that has always been recognised by the families.
"The opportunity for both truth and justice is something that should never be denied to anyone who has suffered at the hands of terrorists. The United Kingdom Government has taken this step today. The Irish Government should now make clear whether they will fulfil the wish of the families and advance the opportunity for truth and justice by announcing a simultaneous equivalent investigation."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
Major Drug Bust In Omagh Linked To INLA
Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have made a significant drug seizure in Omagh. Officers searched a van in the Doogary Road area on Thursday morning, 21st November, and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of £750,000.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
10 January 2023
NI Secretary Urged To Call Public Inquiry Into Omagh Bombing
The SDLP has called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to call a public inquiry into the Omagh bombing. The party's West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan made the call after writing to outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin on behalf of the Omagh families to raise the issue.
NI Secretary Urged To Call Public Inquiry Into Omagh Bombing
The SDLP has called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to call a public inquiry into the Omagh bombing. The party's West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan made the call after writing to outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin on behalf of the Omagh families to raise the issue.
23 July 2021
Judge Finds 'Real Prospect Of Preventing The Omagh Bombing'
A Judge has found that there was a "real prospect of preventing the Omagh bombing".
Judge Finds 'Real Prospect Of Preventing The Omagh Bombing'
A Judge has found that there was a "real prospect of preventing the Omagh bombing".
10 August 2017
Relatives Of Omagh Bombing Victims To Sue PSNI Chief
Relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing victims are to sue the Chief Constable of the PSNI over failings in the police investigation. Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
Relatives Of Omagh Bombing Victims To Sue PSNI Chief
Relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing victims are to sue the Chief Constable of the PSNI over failings in the police investigation. Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
