Coroner to re-open 1974 Dublin bomb inquests

The Dublin City Coroner has agreed to a request to re-open inquests into the deaths of 26 people killed in the Dublin bombings in 1974.

On May 17th, 1974, the Dublin-Monaghan bombings claimed 33 lives and caused serious injury to hundreds.

There have been allegations from relatives of those killed that members of the RUC and British security forces colluded with the loyalist perpetrators.

Many of these relatives formed Justice for the Forgotten, a group campaigning for full disclosure about the atrocities.

It is understood that solicitors acting for these relatives have submitted new information relating to the killings to the court.

In a statement released today, City Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said the inquests would be mentioned at the corner's court hearing next Friday when a date may be set for a full hearing.

The Coroner's inquests into the 26 deaths were adjourned following an initial investigation but never closed.Any new evidence will be presented in public at the court if a date for a hearing is set.

Dr Farrell's hearing of the cases is separate from the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the bombings established by the Irish Government on January 31st, 2000 under former Chief Justice Liam Hamilton. He was replaced by Justice Henry Barron in October 2000.

The British government has been criticised for delays in releasing documentation to the Commission.

Mr Barron's report is expected in September.