WORK ON SCHEDULE FOR BEGINNING OF NEXT MONTH'S INQUESTS
Work on schedule for beginning of next month's Inquests
WORK at Omagh Leisure Centre in preparation for the Coroner's inquest into the Omagh bombing is proceeding to schedule it was announced this week.
Director of Operations at the Northern Ireland Court Service, George Keatley said arrangements were expected to be completed by September 1.
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, has appointed John Leckey, HM Coroner for Greater Belfast, as Coroner for the District of Fermanagh and Omagh for the purpose of holding the inquest.
Before the selection of the Leisure Centre as the venue was made public, Mr Leckey wrote personally to each of the bereaved families to inform them of his decision to hold the inquest in the complex and the reasons for it. The inquest is expected to last about three to four weeks.
Mr Keatley said that preparations for the hearing are proceeding smoothly. Seating will be available in the Minor Hall for families of the victims, members of the public and the media.
Portable accommodation to cater for any overflow of the public or the media is being provided next to the car park behind the Leisure Centre.
"We are converting the Minor Hall into a venue suitable to the dignity of the hearings. We have installed a false floor to facilitate IT cabling. It will be fully carpeted and wood panelling is being installed around the walls.
"Video screens will be available in both the Minor Hall and the overflow area to enable those who attend to have a clear view the proceedings and the textual evidence wherever they may be sitting," Mr Keatley said.
Provision is also being made for special accommodation within the Leisure Centre for use by families of the victims during the inquest.
Mr Leckey will hold a short preliminary hearing on Wednesday 30 August at Omagh Courthouse starting at 11am. This will only cover technical and not evidential legal matters concerning the inquest.
"We are also very aware that by holding the inquest at the Leisure Centre it will have an impact on the venue's regular users. We are doing everything we can to ensure that any inconvenience is kept to a minimum," Mr Keatley said.
WORK at Omagh Leisure Centre in preparation for the Coroner's inquest into the Omagh bombing is proceeding to schedule it was announced this week.
Director of Operations at the Northern Ireland Court Service, George Keatley said arrangements were expected to be completed by September 1.
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, has appointed John Leckey, HM Coroner for Greater Belfast, as Coroner for the District of Fermanagh and Omagh for the purpose of holding the inquest.
Before the selection of the Leisure Centre as the venue was made public, Mr Leckey wrote personally to each of the bereaved families to inform them of his decision to hold the inquest in the complex and the reasons for it. The inquest is expected to last about three to four weeks.
Mr Keatley said that preparations for the hearing are proceeding smoothly. Seating will be available in the Minor Hall for families of the victims, members of the public and the media.
Portable accommodation to cater for any overflow of the public or the media is being provided next to the car park behind the Leisure Centre.
"We are converting the Minor Hall into a venue suitable to the dignity of the hearings. We have installed a false floor to facilitate IT cabling. It will be fully carpeted and wood panelling is being installed around the walls.
"Video screens will be available in both the Minor Hall and the overflow area to enable those who attend to have a clear view the proceedings and the textual evidence wherever they may be sitting," Mr Keatley said.
Provision is also being made for special accommodation within the Leisure Centre for use by families of the victims during the inquest.
Mr Leckey will hold a short preliminary hearing on Wednesday 30 August at Omagh Courthouse starting at 11am. This will only cover technical and not evidential legal matters concerning the inquest.
"We are also very aware that by holding the inquest at the Leisure Centre it will have an impact on the venue's regular users. We are doing everything we can to ensure that any inconvenience is kept to a minimum," Mr Keatley said.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1409
Published Date: 17-Aug-00
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