Omagh Bombing Inquiry
Omagh Inquiry
Statutory inquiry into whether the 15 August 1998 Real IRA bombing in Omagh — which killed 29 people and unborn twins — could reasonably have been prevented, focusing on intelligence sharing between UK and Irish state bodies.
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Statutory inquiry into whether the 15 August 1998 Real IRA bombing in Omagh — which killed 29 people and unborn twins — could reasonably have been prevented, focusing on intelligence sharing between UK and Irish state bodies. Chapter 3 substantive evidence hearings delayed as of January 2026. Irish government drafting legislation to allow Garda officers to give oral testimony.
Where it stands
Public hearings have been held on 44 days, most recently on 15 October 2026. No report has been published yet.
Reports & recommendations
The inquiry has not published a report yet. Recommendations will be tracked here, with the government response to each, once it does.
Latest evidence
All 271 documents →Costs
Cumulative expenditure Apr 2024 – Dec 2025
Source and qualifications
Accounting period: 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Dec 2025.
Breakdown and notes
Cost breakdown (to Dec 2025)
Cost history (6 reports)
| Period | Total | Inquiry Legal | CP Legal | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | £2,744,491 | £1,381,148 | £824,955 |
Omagh Bombing Inquiry Financial Report 1 October 2025 – 31 December 2025 Source and qualificationsAccounting period: 1 Oct 2025 to 31 Dec 2025. Omagh Bombing Inquiry Financial Report 1 October 2025 – 31 December 2025 |
| Dec 2025 (cum.) | £12,206,267 | £5,916,145 | £2,985,932 |
Cumulative expenditure Apr 2024 – Dec 2025 Source and qualificationsAccounting period: 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Dec 2025. Cumulative total calculated from FY2024-25 annual report plus Q1-Q3 FY2025-26 quarterly reports. Inquiry established Feb 2024; first financial data from April 2024 (FY24/25). Statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the Omagh bombing of 15 August 1998 (29 killed plus unborn twins). Sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office. Inquiry legal costs cover counsel (11 appointed) and solicitors (Burges Salmon/Fieldfisher). Core participant costs are s.40 Inquiries Act 2005 legal representation at public expense. All figures inclusive of VAT (per FY25/26 quarterly reports; VAT treatment not stated in FY24/25 report). Q4 FY25/26 data not yet published; figures current to 31 December 2025.
|
| Sep 2025 | £2,058,059 | £1,043,390 | £530,650 |
Omagh Bombing Inquiry Financial Report 1 July – 30 September 2025 Source and qualificationsAccounting period: 1 Jul 2025 to 30 Sep 2025. Omagh Bombing Inquiry Financial Report 1 July – 30 September 2025 |
| Jun 2025 | £2,032,751 | £939,573 | £614,000 |
Q1 FY25/26 (21 Apr – 30 Jun 2025) Source and qualificationsAccounting period: 21 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025. First quarterly report for FY25/26. Covers 21 April to 30 June 2025 (note: starts mid-month). Inclusive of VAT. Seven counsel appointed including two KCs.
|
| Jun 2025 | £2,032,751 | £939,573 | £614,000 |
Omagh Bombing Inquiry Financial Report 1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025 Source and qualificationsAccounting period: 1 Apr 2025 to 30 Jun 2025. Omagh Bombing Inquiry Financial Report 1 April 2025 – 30 June 2025 |
| Mar 2025 | £5,370,966 | £2,552,034 | £1,016,327 |
Omagh Bombing Inquiry: 2024-25 Financial Report Source and qualificationsAccounting period: 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025. |