Govt 'must publish 1974 bombings report without delay'

Relatives of people who died in one of the biggest atrocities of the North's Troubles today urged the Government to publish without delay the findings of an inquiry.

They called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to release the long-awaited report on the 1974 Dublin/Monaghan bombings over the next two weeks.

The report was being presented to the Taoiseach today but will have to be studied by the Government before it is published.

It will address allegations that British security services colluded with the attackers – or at least had foreknowledge of the bombs.

Mr Justice Barron’s independent investigation into the bombings was originally expected a year ago.

Margaret Urwin, spokeswoman for victims’ group Justice for the Forgotten, said: “We want it to be published without delay. We have been given no firm date at all for its publication.

“Hopefully the details will be released within a couple of weeks. We have been expecting the report for so long and are relieved that it is coming to the Government at last.

“Once the government has it, it’s a big step forward.

“Now we are calling on the government to publish the findings as quickly as possible. We don’t want it to be held unduly by the government.”

Inquests recently reopened into the deaths of the 26 people who died when two car bombs exploded in central Dublin and seven who died when another bomb exploded in the border town of Monaghan.

Both inquests were adjourned until all evidence has been gathered.

TD Pat Carey called on Mr Ahern to pursue the findings of the report with vigour.

“I am relieved that this report, which is long overdue, is finally being presented to the Taoiseach and I hope it will answer the many unanswered questions that have haunted the families of victims for almost three decades,” he said.

“The grief felt by the families of those murdered in the bombings has been compounded by the mystery that surrounds this case, particularly in relation to the serious allegations of collusion between the British security services and the bombers.

“These allegations need to be explored in full.

“I hope for the sake of the families and in honour of those murdered, that the Barron Report will unravel the tragic mystery that exists in this case.”

The Fianna Fáil Dublin North West TD said he had worked closely with the Justice for the Forgotten group and would continue to campaign for them.

A spokeswoman for the Government confirmed that the Taoiseach would be receiving the report later today. It would be studied by Mr Ahern and his ministers before being published.