Next phase of Omagh bombing inquiry deemed pivotal by victims' families

The public inquiry into the Omagh bombing, delayed six months, is set to begin its third chapter, which will scrutinise the events before and after the explosion. Led by Lord Turnbull, the panel will assess evidence such as the bomb’s design, warning phone calls, responsibility claims, arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Later this week, a senior Garda officer will provide a pre-recorded testimony regarding the theft of the vehicle used in the attack, which was taken in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, two days prior.

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed, and Claire Hayes, whose brother Alan Radford died, said the upcoming hearings are a pivotal moment and urged full cooperation from authorities in the Republic. They hope the process will finally deliver truth and dignity for the victims.