The Minister for Justice has laid a wreath in memory of the 33 people who were killed and hundreds who were injured in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
Charlie Flanagan joined victim’s families and survivors at the memorial in Dublin on the 45th anniversary of atrocities this afternoon.
Thirty three people were killed and almost 300 others injured when four loyalist bombs exploded in Dublin and Monaghan on the 17th May 1974.
No one has ever been arrested in relation to the attacks – and the victim’s families have long been campaigning for justice.
The Justice for the Forgotten campaign has been calling for an open inquiry into allegations that British security forces colluded with the terrorists in planning the attacks.
They are also calling on the British Government to release classified security files relating to the deaths.
Speaking at the memorial this afternoon, Minister Flanagan said the search for the truth will continue.
“It is a stark reminder of Ireland during the years of the Troubles and what violence does to rip apart society – as happened here on this very spot on Talbot Street 45 years ago,” he said
“I believe it is important that the search for truth continues.”
Some photos from today's Dublin/Monaghan wreath-laying ceremony. pic.twitter.com/WmR7gvCMRN
— JusticeFTForgotten (@JFForgotten) May 17, 2019
He noted that, the sooner government in the North is restored, the sooner the Historical Investigations Unit can be set up.
“I would like to see progress on the talks in the coming weeks,” he said.
“If we had institutions back in Northern Ireland, we then could set about the structures under the Stormont House agreement one of which being the historical investigations unit – which can result in a measure of comfort for victims and survivors.”
Thomas O’Brien was bereaved 45 years ago today. His brother, John (23), sister-in-law, Anna (22), and two nieces, Jacqueline (17 months) and Anne Marie (5 months), were killed when a no-warning car bomb exploded as the young family were walking along Parnell Street in Dublin. pic.twitter.com/M7cgJyMC4x
— Colin Davidson (@colin_davidson) May 17, 2019
In a statement, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith warned that despite three unanimous Dáil motions calling on the British government to release the files relating to the bombings, the families are still waiting.
“Today will bring back a lot of painful memories for people who lived through these dreadful attacks and for those who lost loved ones in the bombings,” he said.
“Unfortunately, not only were their lives irrevocably changed, they are still having to fight for justice.”
Dublin/Monaghan Julieann Campbell, author and Bloody Sunday relative. will deliver the oration;
Rachael Hegarty will read a poem from 'May Day 1974'. Music by Cormac Breatnach; Songs: Ciarán Warfield, Pat Savage; poem by Noel Hegarty; Prayers: Fr Tom Clowe and Rev Trevor Sargent. pic.twitter.com/IdphP5mp3I— JusticeFTForgotten (@JFForgotten) May 15, 2019
