Fund-raising activities for victims of the Omagh bombing are to cease on August 14th, the day before the anniversary of the atrocity.
Announcing the date at a press conference yesterday, the fund chairman, Mr Sean O'Dwyer, said trustees expected the total would exceed £5.5 million. Money will be accepted after the proposed cut-off date and trustees will continue to meet at regular intervals to administer the distribution of funds, he added.
"The fund was set up to administer public donations from people keen to demonstrate their support for the victims. The trustees' task is to ensure fair and appropriate disbursement of the monies received, and to consider how the fund's support can best help the individuals and families concerned.
"We have decided that the fund should have a closing date of August 14th - the day before the anniversary of the awful tragedy which led to its establishment. We believe this is an appropriate and sensitive date to choose, and one which best honours the memory of those who died. But that does not mean we will not receive donations after that date," said Mr O'Dwyer.
Trustees believe they have contacted all those physically injured and bereaved in the bombing. Families affected have just received another payment from the fund and trustees expect to distribute the bulk of the remainder before the first anniversary.
The fund has received just over £2 million. Over £1.3 million has been disbursed to 243 beneficiaries.
The chief executive of Omagh District Council, Mr John McKinney, said all monies donated had now been passed to the fund and any costs incurred had been taken care of by the local administration. "Thousands have contributed to the fund and we are eternally grateful to them," he added.