A hearing to consider issues arising from a ruling on witness anonymity in the Omagh Bombing Inquiry is to begin in Belfast on July 20. It is scheduled to run for one day, with a second day if required.

The inquiry chair, Lord Alun Turnbull, issued a ruling on June 12 granting anonymity to four former police officers who may be called as witnesses. The applications were made by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on behalf of the individuals, who were identified as Officers 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Under the ruling, the identities of Officers 1, 2 and 3 are to be withheld from documents disclosed to core participants, a group that includes bereaved family members. They will also remain anonymous if giving oral evidence. Officer 5 is to have his identity concealed in any documents published on the inquiry's website and during any oral testimony.

The upcoming hearing will examine queries raised about the chair's anonymity decision. Proceedings will also be streamed to the Station Centre in Omagh.

The public inquiry began hearing evidence in early 2025 following years of campaigning by victims' families. It has taken testimony from bereaved relatives, survivors, emergency responders and others who assisted on the day.

On August 15, 1998, a car bomb exploded on Market Street in Omagh, County Tyrone, killing 31 people, including unborn twins. It remains the single deadliest atrocity of the Troubles. No one has been convicted of the murders.