The first session of the much awaited public investigation into the Omagh bombing is scheduled for Tuesday. This session, which will be chaired by Lord Alan Turnbull, will describe the direction and procedures of the Omagh, County Tyrone, inquiry.
Tragic Event of the Omagh Bombing
29 people were killed in the horrific attack carried out by the Real IRA on August 15, 1998, including a mother who was expecting twins. The single most horrific act of the Troubles was this bombing. The investigation’s goal is to find out if this tragedy could have been avoided using preventive measures.
Long-Awaited Inquiry for Justice
The establishment of this inquiry last year followed a prolonged legal battle initiated by some victims’ families. Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aiden in the bombing, described the inquiry as “an unbelievably long time coming.” He expressed hope that it marks “the beginning of the end” for the search for justice and truth. Gallagher shared with BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today program his resolve to ensure all possible actions are taken to achieve justice for his son and other victims.
Inquiry Duration and Expectations
Given the volume of material and the large number of witnesses involved, Gallagher believes the investigation will take several years to complete. “We are looking forward to the process starting and understanding how it will unfold,” he stated. As the investigation goes on, important revelations should be anticipated, but attaining justice is still up in the air.
Preliminary Public Hearing
The initial public hearing at the Strule Arts Centre will be attended by bereaved families and survivors. This session will address procedural matters, with no witnesses called or evidence presented until the following year. Evaluating the intelligence environment and determining if security measures may have thwarted dissident efforts prior to the bombing will be important components of the investigation.
Cross-Border Cooperation and Challenges
Although the investigation will not focus on identifying specific offenders, it will examine if security measures could have stopped the incident. Despite rejecting proposals for a separate or joint public inquiry, the Irish government has committed to support the investigation. Dublin’s position has been questioned by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF), which provides support to some Omagh victims. Kenny Donaldson, director of SEFF, underlined that legislation enabling Lord Turnbull to hold inquiry sessions in Dublin, with the authority to compel witnesses and disclose documents, must be passed by the Irish government. He maintained that the investigation cannot produce a fair result in the absence of international participation.
The 1998 Omagh Bombing: A Painful Memory
The Omagh bombing occurred on 15 August 1998, just months after the Good Friday Agreement. A car bomb detonated on the town’s main street during peak Saturday shopping hours, injuring over 200 people and killing 29. Three generations of a single family—a 65-year-old mother, her 30-year-old daughter who was pregnant, and her 18-month-old grandchild—were among the dead. A rebel republican organization called the Real IRA took credit for the attack, saying that their targets were “commercial” and extending their condolences to “civilian” victims.
Lack of Criminal Convictions
Despite the severity of the bombing, no one has been criminally convicted for the attack. However, in a 2009 civil case, Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt was found responsible, along with three other men: Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy, and Seamus Daly. Families of the victims are still haunted by the lack of criminal convictions, which emphasizes how crucial the public investigation is to achieving justice and closure.
The Omagh bombing remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism, and this public inquiry is a crucial step towards uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
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