The next phase of hearings for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has commenced today, Monday, 21 September 2026, after a six-month delay. The inquiry aims to determine if UK state authorities could have prevented the bombing, which killed 29 people, including a pregnant woman carrying twins, on 15 August 1998.
These hearings will focus on the days immediately before and after the atrocity, examining how the bombing was executed and identifying those responsible. A senior garda officer is among the witnesses expected this week, providing initial evidence concerning the theft of the car used in the explosion, which was stolen two days prior in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
The first phase of the inquiry previously heard personal testimonies from those affected by the Real IRA bombing. The third phase of the inquiry is anticipated to last approximately four weeks.