Omagh Bomb Inquiry Resumed for Third Phase
The investigation into the 1998 terrorist attack has entered a new phase focused on potential prevention efforts.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Terrorism
The Omagh Bomb inquiry resumed on 21 September 2026 to begin its third phase of hearings. This stage will last for four weeks and explore whether authorities could have prevented the 1998 attack that killed 29 people.
Why it matters
The inquiry seeks to determine if UK agencies possessed actionable intelligence that might have stopped the bombing. It also examines how cross-border cooperation could have influenced the outcome.
The investigation, now in its third phase, is currently examining intelligence sharing and warning calls related to the 15 August 1998 attack. Authorities are focusing on evidence involving the car used in the bombing, which was stolen two days prior in Carrickmacross.
The players
Catherine Connolly
She is the President who signed the legislation enabling Irish state cooperation with the inquiry.
An Garda Síochána
This is the national police service of Ireland that is currently cooperating with the international inquiry.
Dr John Morrison
He is an expert witness providing testimony regarding the technical aspects of the 1998 bombing.
Dr Angela Gallop
She is a forensic expert contributing evidence to the ongoing investigation.
The details
The inquiry is now analyzing evidence regarding bomb construction and communication patterns to assess operational failures. Expert witnesses, including Dr John Morrison and Dr Angela Gallop, are scheduled to present their findings during the next month of hearings.
Timeline
15 August 1998: The Omagh bombing occurred.
June 2026: Legislation for Irish cooperation was signed into law.
21 September 2026: The Omagh Bomb inquiry resumed.
This week: A Garda officer and experts will give evidence.
Next four weeks: The third phase of the inquiry will occur.
Legal Context
The inquiry operates under the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry Act) 2026, which formalized the mandate for cross-border cooperation. This represents a significant shift in how historical investigations access intelligence across jurisdictions.
The inquiry provides the public with a detailed accounting of how intelligence failures affected the safety of the Omagh community in 1998. Residents and families affected by the tragedy may find the upcoming expert testimony reveals new details about the event's history.
The takeaway
This inquiry highlights the critical importance of timely intelligence sharing between nations to prevent future extremist violence. Understanding these past failures is essential for modern agencies to refine their collaborative safety protocols.
What happens next
Detective Superintendent Casserly is scheduled to provide witness testimony this Thursday as part of the ongoing hearings.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing investigative efforts by visiting our Terrorism section.
