Public hearings delving into the times instantly earlier than the 1998 atrocity within the Co Tyrone city have been as a result of begin on March 9 2026.
The automotive used within the Real IRA bomb assault was stolen within the Irish Republic and pushed throughout the border on August 15 earlier than the blast which killed 29 folks, together with a girl who was pregnant with twins.
The bomb exploded in Market Street, Omagh (PA)
The inquiry, chaired by Lord Turnbull, was arrange by the earlier authorities, following various authorized challenges introduced by campaigners, to look at whether or not the explosion might have been prevented by the UK authorities.
The Irish Government has been criticised for not establishing its personal public inquiry by way of the bombers’ actions south of the border.
It has dedicated to co-operate, together with signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the inquiry to permit it to entry materials held by the Irish State.
The first chapter public hearings on the inquiry began in January with statements from the households of these killed and first responders.
The second chapter passed off in April and heard opening statements from core individuals, which included the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
On Tuesday, the inquiry introduced that the chapter three hearings can be postponed.
In a press release, the inquiry stated: “The difficult decision to postpone the hearings has been based on a range of factors, including the scale and complexity of the disclosure of evidence.
“It is expected that the new dates for chapter three hearings will be confirmed in early 2026.”
Michael Gallagher, the daddy of Aiden Gallagher, voiced concern on the delay (Liam McBurney/PA)
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was amongst these killed within the dissident assault, expressed concern.
He stated he can be asking questions, including he suspects various our bodies concerned within the delayed disclosure.
“We have waited 27 years for this inquiry, and we don’t want this to be unnecessarily delayed,” he stated.
“I will be certainly asking my solicitor to ask questions of the inquiry as to how many organisations are delaying the disclosure.”
Meanwhile, the Irish Justice Minister stated he had been given approval for the precedence drafting of a Bill to permit Irish police and different officers to present oral testimony to the inquiry.
Jim O’Callaghan’s division stated work was beneath approach “immediately” with a view for the Bill to be in place by the evidential hearings.
It would permit for the inquiry to make requests to sure Irish state our bodies for the supply of sworn testimony in entrance of a choose of the Irish High Court, by which the inquiry might ask questions and core individuals might be current.
However, the requests will be denied to guard the safety and sovereignty of the Republic of Ireland, in addition to to stop prejudice to prison investigations or the safety of life.