Bomb victims are 'sick and tired' of Dublin platitudes
Elaine Mitchell, BBC News NI South West Reporter, June 26th, 2025
There is a "moral, human and legal imperative" on the Republic of Ireland government to establish a parallel inquiry into the Omagh bombing, the official inquiry in Northern Ireland has heard.
The counsel for some of the families of victims and survivors said they were "sick and tired of platitudes, false promises and the grand but empty words from the state authorities of the Republic of Ireland".
The Real IRA attack on 15 August 1998 murdered 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins.
The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin has said both he and the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) are clear in the need for their government to co-operate fully with the inquiry.
The public inquiry was established to examine if the attack could have been prevented by UK authorities.
The Omagh bombing inquiry opened its second chapter on Monday.
On Tuesday, the inquiry heard perpetrators of the bombing enjoyed "cowardly refuge" in the Republic of Ireland.
The inquiry heard the failure of the Republic of Ireland to establish a parallel inquiry was a source of upset for the families.
The Irish government's "ongoing failure to provide real and meaningful co-operation with this inquiry speaks far louder than their words," Alan Kane KC said.
He said the memorandum of understanding, signed in April to allow the inquiry access to material held by the Irish government, did "nothing to give our clients any degree of confidence".
He said the unilateral power of redaction remained with the government of the Republic of Ireland.
The inquiry heard sharing of intelligence between the UK and Irish security services was not productive because it was rare for An Garda Síochána (Irish police) to share information "which would allow for pre-emptive operational action against subversives".
Omagh bomb 'still fresh' for families 25 years on
Mr Kane raised concerns about documentation which had not been disclosed to the inquiry including a missing "threat book".
He outlined what he said was "a most astonishing, shocking and incredible revelation" which was provided in a corporate witness statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Security policy meetings attended by the Northern Ireland secretary and other senior representatives have only been found for 1996, but none for 1997 and 1998.
Mr Kane told the inquiry the absence of that material left "our clients with a distinct lack of confidence and assurance in the co-operation of the state core participants, in particular the PSNI".
The Omagh bombing killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins
The legal counsel speaking on behalf of some of the victims and survivors of the Omagh bombing says that the security services "desire to protect state agents" could have allowed some terrorist activity to take place.
Speaking on the second day of the second chapter of the inquiry Hugh Southey KC outlined the role of intelligence services and informants in gathering information about dissident republican activity.
He noted that "the absence of any rules or guidance governing the use of informers" potentially allowed risks to be taken with public safety.
'Effective protection of the bomb'
Mr Southey KC also addressed the co-operation of the Republic of Ireland with the inquiry.
"There is little or no doubt that dissident republican activity linked to the bomb took place in the Republic of Ireland. That suggests that effective protection of the bomb potentially required the assistance of the Republic of Ireland's authorities.
"There is reason to believe that intelligence was known by the Garda but not the RUC."
He called for the "full engagement" of the Irish government so the victims and survivors can get to the truth.
Lord Turnball said in closing that there is "plain duty" on the Secretary of State and others in government to make available whatever resources are necessary to ensure that "full disclosure can be swiftly made available".
In referring to the families concerns of missing documents Lord Turnball said any claim that documents have been lost or destroyed will not be accepted on face value, yet they will be investigated with all the inquiry's powers.
"As the families have pointed out, claims of this sort have be devilled some previous inquiries."
In closing the inquiry on Tuesday, Paul Greaney KC said the security notes which the PSNI could not locate have been recovered by the inquiry from the NIO.
On Monday, Mr Greaney KC outlined the need for the core participants to work swiftly to fulfil the inquiry's requirements.
In February, the inquiry heard 14 days of powerful individual testimonies from relatives who lost loved ones in the explosion.
It also heard from emergency workers and people injured in the attack.
Irish government to co-operate
The Taoiseach has said he rejects comments that the Irish Government's co-operation with the Omagh bombing inquiry has been "wholly unsatisfactory".
Speaking to the Irish broadcaster RTÉ Micheál Martin said: "Both I and the Tánaiste are very clear of the need for our government and our department of justice and others, to be fully open in terms of materials to be sent to the Omagh inquiry, and to co-operate fully with the Omagh inquiry."
It comes as a barrister representing families of the victims and some of the injured said they remained "greatly disappointed" at the lack of commitment on the part of the Irish authorities to "meaningfully assist" the inquiry.
"There have been other legislative mechanisms by which we've done that, in the context of Kingsmills for example, which have been commented on positively.
"The difficulty with a parallel inquiry is that you have two inquires going on at the same time, in to basically the same issues and that could lead to a lot of duplication and delay," he added.
What was the Omagh bombing?
The bomb that devastated Omagh town centre in August 1998 was the biggest single atrocity in the history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
It came less than three months after the people of Northern Ireland had voted yes to the Good Friday Agreement.
Who carried out the Omagh bombing?
Three days after the attack, the Real IRA released a statement claiming responsibility for the explosion.
It apologised to "civilian" victims and said its targets had been commercial.
Almost 27 years on, no-one has been convicted of carrying out the murders by a criminal court.
In 2009, a judge ruled that four men - Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly were all liable for the Omagh bomb.
The four men were ordered to pay a total of £1.6m in damages to the relatives, but appeals against the ruling delayed the compensation process.
A fifth man, Seamus McKenna, was acquitted in the civil action and later died in a roofing accident in 2013.
Glenanne Gang victim’s daughter tells Kenova ‘don’t waste my time’
Connla Young, Crime and Security Correspondent, Irish News, June 26th, 2025
THE daughter of a loyalist murder victim has told Operation Kenova that unless they produce new information about the killing, not to “waste her time”.
Denise Mullen spoke out as it emerged Kenova investigators have arranged meetings with relatives of people killed by the notorious Glenanne Gang to provide the findings of a review into its activities.
The group, which included members of the RUC, UDR and UVF, is believed to have been responsible for around 125 murders, the majority of which were innocent Catholics.
The activities of the gang are currently being examined by the Kenova investigation team as part of Operation Denton, which is nearing completion.
Members of the Kenova team are currently briefing relatives of the dead ahead of publication of their final report.
However, one family has now voiced an unwillingness to meet the high-profile investigation team unless fresh information is produced.
Former SDLP and Aontú councillor Denise Mullen’s father, Denis Mullen, was shot dead by the Glenanne Gang near Moy, Co Tyrone, in September 1975.
Co Armagh man Garfield Beattie was later convicted of Mr Mullen’s murder.
Denise Mullen has made her feelings clear about Operation Kenova
As a result of various reports and other research Ms Mullen, who was recently approached by Kenova for a meeting, has already gathered a significant amount of information about her father’s murder.
Putting a marker down
The campaigning daughter has now put a marker down with the Kenova team.
“Unless they are coming to tell me something new and specific to my father’s murder and attempted murder of my mother, don’t waste my time,” she said.
“I am not prepared to make time for a box ticking exercise of meeting a victim and survivor to receive the same watered down, sweet talking information as I was told last year – I don’t want to listen to it again.”
Ms Mullen said she wants to know who ordered her father’s murder.
“I want hard facts, the names of those who gave the order to target my parents and the measures that are going to be taken to ensure their accountability,” she said.
“My time is precious.”
A spokesman for the Kenova investigation team said: “We are currently working through individual briefings with families affected by Operation Denton ahead of the final report of the review which is being prepared for publication later in the year.
“We remain committed to providing all families with as much information as is possible in relation to what happened to their loved ones, however it would not be appropriate to comment while those briefings are taking place and ahead of publication of the final report.”
PSNI's Deputy Chief dismisses DUP suggestion of two-tier policing of recent rioting
Gabrielle Swan, Belfast Telegraph, June 26th, 2025
The Deputy Chief Constable has said the police's response to rioting has “not and will never be affected by the background” of those carrying out criminality after the DUP suggested the force was taking differing approaches to disorder in unionist and nationalist areas.
Bobby Singleton was speaking after a meeting yesterday with a DUP delegation — led by Policing Board member Trevor Clarke — which had suggested that the PSNI had dealt with riots in unionist areas more harshly than recent disorder in Londonderry.
The PSNI dismissed this, saying it will respond to unrest “using the most appropriate tactics”.
The DUP cohort also saw Policing Board members Keith Buchanan and Cheryl Brownlee, East Belfast MLA Joanne Bunting, who is also chair of Stormont's Justice Committee, and North Antrim MLA Paul Frew in attendance.
The delegation had voiced concern over “two-tier” policing in response to recent riots.
Violence in Ballymena was sparked by an alleged sexual assault on June 7. Two 14-year-old boys, who spoke through a Romanian interpreter at Coleraine Magistrates Court, would later be charged with attempted rape.
Homes of a number of ethnic minorities in the area would then be targeted in three nights of racially-motivated violence in mainly unionist towns, with several houses burnt out.
Further disorder occurred in Nailor's Row, Derry, with youths throwing petrol bombs at police.
Sectarian or recreational violence?
The Chief Constable described the disorder as “blatant sectarian violence”, although Derek Moore, from the North West Cultural Partnership [NWCP], said it was not sectarian in nature, but recreational.
Police fired one plastic baton round in Derry, but many more were fired in Ballymena, where the disorder was over three nights and more intense.
Mr Clarke said the DUP had been “unequivocal that anyone engaging in public disorder, whether it be in Ballymena, Portadown, Larne or Londonderry, should be held fully accountable for their actions”.
“At the same time, everyone must be equal under the law and equally subject to it,” he continued. “Where police officers are attacked, property damaged and homes attacked, the criminal justice response must be fair and consistent, irrespective of the motivation or background of those involved.
“In particular, the deployment of baton rounds (AEPs), should not be dictated by how such measures might be perceived by those on the receiving end, including those from republican or nationalist communities.
“Although the Chief Constable has indicated that the fear of complaints is no longer a factor in these decisions, we remain to be convinced that this has been played out on the ground during recent riots.”
A PSNI spokesperson said that Mr Singleton “assured those present that the PSNI will continue to respond to public disorder without fear or favour, using the most appropriate tactics to respond to the individual circumstances facing officers”.
“He told them that the police response to rioting has not and will never be affected by the motivation or the background of those criminals attacking officers and their community,” they said.
Residents say 'outsiders' painted graffiti to intimidate
BBC News NI
Some residents of a private housing development have said graffiti and loyalist paramilitary flags that appeared in the area were designed to "inflame tensions and intimidate people".
Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) flags were among those erected in the Hillocks in the Waterside in Londonderry on Tuesday morning.
The residents said they were put up by large groups of men in masks and hoods who came into the development and then left.
Some of the flags have been removed but the police said they were treating graffiti saying "loyalist area, loyalist flags", which appeared on Tuesday, as a sectarian hate crime.
One man, who did not want to be identified, told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme: "I am in a mixed marriage, this is a mixed area and we have lived here happily and without incident for years.
"But the people who put these flags up are, clearly, out to intimidate and incite trouble in an area where people have always got on with their neighbours, regardless of religion.
"And it is clear they do not live in the Hillocks."
Another resident said the flags - especially those of a paramilitary nature - had made him and his neighbours feel "uncomfortable and intimidated".
"A bunch of masked younger men appeared in the Hillocks and were, basically, going lamppost to lamppost, putting up various loyalist flags," he said.
People from all backgrounds
He said it was a "very mixed area with people from all backgrounds".
He said the people he had spoken to did not want the flags up in the area.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were aware that flags had been put up.
A spokesperson said each incident would be considered on a "case-by-case basis" and the individual circumstances would determine what action they take.
"Where any offences have been committed, the circumstances will be investigated," Ch Insp Craig said.
"Our officers will engage with local community representatives and partner agencies in relation to any complaints about flags, and work with them to build a safe and inclusive society."
Shows a woman in fair hair and a black stop standing in front of greenery
DUP councillor Niree McMorris says her party is trying to find a solution
Niree McMorris is a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor and the deputy mayor and also sits on the policing and community safety partnership.
She said no flags should be put up in an area where they are not wanted and that her party was trying to resolve the issue.
'No place for intimidation'
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said there is "no place for intimidation"
The SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said he had been "inundated" with calls from residents in the Hillocks area who were "deeply distressed".
"These flags are not cultural symbols but rather designed to intimidate and sow division in this mixed and diverse area," he said.
"The reality is this has been allowed to happen right across the north because the [Stormont] Executive has failed to bring forward legislation to tackle this issue.
"There is no place for fear and intimidation in our shared homeplace."
The Ulster Volunteer Force murdered more than 500 people during the Troubles.
It was formed in 1966 and adopted the names and symbols of the original UVF, the movement founded in 1912 by Sir Edward Carson to fight against Irish home rule.
The UVF shot dead the first police officer to be murdered during the Troubles.
The organisation was later involved in various atrocities including the bombing of McGurk's Bar in Belfast, the sectarian killings of the Shankill Butchers and the Loughinisland massacre.
It sometimes claimed killings using the cover name the Protestant Action Force.
It has also been embroiled in feuds with other paramilitary organisations.
In recent years, it has been linked to serious criminality including drug dealing.
Lyons to intervene in legal action over Irish signage at new transport hub
Liam Tunney, Belfast Telegraph, June 26th, 2025
MINISTER BELIEVES DECISION CUT ACROSS HIS DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has applied to give evidence in a case taken by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson over a decision to install dual language signage at Belfast's Grand Central Station.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced in March that signage featuring both English and Irish was to be installed at the state-of-the-art transport hub at a cost of £150,000.
Despite warnings from Irish language advocacy groups, the signage was not installed when the station was originally built, with Ms Kimmins introducing the move retrospectively after taking legal advice.
Following criticism from unionist politicians, loyalist activist Mr Bryson applied for a judicial review into the Department for Infrastructure (DfI)'s decision and was granted leave to do so last month.
Mr Bryson's case centres on a claim that the introduction of the signage was controversial and so required agreement from the entire Executive.
It is understood that the Communities Minister has now asked the High Court for permission to intervene in the case and provide evidence he says proves the Executive should have been consulted over the move.
Mr Lyons' application claims he first became aware of the decision via a press release from DfI and subsequently advised Ms Kimmins in writing that the decision was “significant, controversial and cross-cutting”.
It is understood the Sinn Fein minister denied the claim and rejected any suggestion the matter should have been referred to the Executive Committee.
The application also indicates Mr Lyons intends to assist the court with the context of an Assembly petition against the move which received just one signature, that of TUV representative Timothy Gaston, who raised it in the first place.
Mr Gaston's petition and the lack of signatures was cited by DfI's legal representatives in a previous hearing to suggest the decision was not controversial.
New Decade New Approach
The Communities Minister has also indicated that he considers the decision to cut across his departmental responsibilities in relation to its duties under the January 2020 New Decade New Approach (NDNA) deal.
DfC is responsible for the development of a draft Irish Language Strategy and is also a joint sponsor of the north-south language body which comprises Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency.
Mr Lyons' application indicates he intends to demonstrate to the court how Ms Kimmins' decision cuts across those responsibilities.
Both the Department for Communities and Department for Infrastructure have been approached for comment.
Last month, Mr Justice Scoffield ruled that Mr Bryson had established an arguable case in relation to his application for a judicial review into Ms Kimmins' decision.
Representing himself, the loyalist activist had argued that the MLA unlawfully breached the ministerial code by failing to refer the issue to the Executive Committee for discussion and agreement.
Mr Bryson argued that the test was met based on publicly expressed views by a number of senior unionist politicians. The court heard correspondence from UUP, TUV, PUP and Orange Order representatives to back Mr Bryson's claims of unionist unity on the issue.
No planned work to install Irish language signage at the station can begin until after the case is resolved.
It is listed for a full hearing in September.
‘Rates levy fund could help solve wastewater and housing issues’
John Breslin, Irish News, Juned 26th, 2025
A DOMESTIC rates levy along with potential support from the British and Irish governments could help solve what is described as the wastewater and housing crises, according to an independent report commissioned by construction firms and housing associations.
The report, to be published today, suggests a levy that will add just over £100 annually to domestic rate bills, while it proposes London and Dublin weighing in with support for a wastewater transformation fund.
It was commissioned by NI Chamber, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA).
The report, or position paper, suggests a “progressive and modest rates-based levy to meet the deficit” in the coming years and “calls on the British government with support from Dublin, to establish a wastewater infrastructure transformation fund”.
“The purpose of the fund would be to ensure major capital programmes… are sufficiently funded to kick-start more home building and industrial development across Northern Ireland,” say the authors, Grant Thornton and Turley, a consultancy firm.
The current and previous Stormont governments have ruled out any charges for water, despite warnings the only way to fix the infrastructure is to raise a significant amount of revenue.
Funding crisis signposted
Earlier this month, the NI Fiscal Council warned of a “critical funding crisis” that threatens to undermine economic growth, housing delivery and environmental protections.
The paper presents models laying out how the levy applied to rates could “recoup the cost of borrowing over 40 years”. Modelling by Grant Thornton suggests an average domestic rate bill increase of £101.15.
Suzanne Wylie, NI Chamber chief executive, said “every report… to date has said that a solution needs to involve some form of revenue raising”.
“The NI executive has made it clear that to date, this is not part of its plan. However, this report sets out mechanisms for keeping any levy to an absolute minimum,” Ms Wylie said, adding one of the models suggests the cost to the domestic ratepayer could be an average additional £11.80 per month.
“Without such an investment it will be much more difficult to grow Northern Ireland’s economy, build enough homes to meet the needs of all our population, maintain and grow our construction sector and prevent more pollution of our waterways.” she added.
Mark Spence, CEF chief executive said “recent weeks have brought the urgent need for action into sharp focus”.
“While the infrastructure minister’s three-pronged approach has some merit, it’s clear that the department for infrastructure’s proposals on developer contributions and sustainable drainage fall far short of addressing the barriers to economic growth and environmental decline,” Mr Spence argued.
“Housing is a human right, but the current funding model places our supply of much-needed housing in severe jeopardy,” said Seamus Leheny, head of NIFHA.
“This is a clear ‘invest-to-save’ opportunity and doing nothing, risking huge societal, economic and environmental damage, is not an option,” Mr Leheny said.
Court told man had gun and bullets at property as part of paramilitary hide
Alan Erwin, Irish News, June 26th, 2025
A BELFAST man allegedly had a sawn-off shotgun and assorted ammunition stored at his former home as part of a suspected paramilitary hide, a court has heard.
Police also seized £10,000 worth of cocaine and a large stash of rockets and flares as part of an investigation into the activities of the West Belfast UDA.
Details emerged as Robert Alan Osbourne (47) was remanded in custody on charges linked to the haul recovered from the house on Joanmount Gardens last week.
Mr Osbourne, currently of Sunningdale Gardens, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, and having fireworks without a licence.
He faces further counts of possessing class-A, class-B and class-Cdrugs with intent to supply.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force carried out searches at the property on June 17.
District Judge Steven Keown was told a sawn-off Beretta shotgun and 130 rounds of assorted ammunition, including dum-dum-type bullets capable of penetrating walls, were seized.
Cocaine with an estimated street value of £10,000, along with further quantities of cannabis and pregabalin has also been confiscated.
Mr Osbourne had lived at the house until he moved out three months ago, the court heard.
He handed himself in to police yesterday and provided a statement to deny owning the gun, ammunition or drugs.
Opposing bail, an investigating detective confirmed the criminality is being linked to a paramilitary grouping.
Fears were expressed that Mr Osbourne could become involved in other serious offending if released, either through choice or coercion.
“The defendant’s address had all the hallmarks of a paramilitary firearms hide due to the quantity of items recovered,” the detective claimed.
He told the court five different types of ammunition were found in the house, including 9mm, .22 and
.357 rounds, together with 38 socalled flat-pointed wadcutter bullets and the magazine for a Glock pistol.
Concerns were raised that the fireworks could have been intended for use in any future episodes of public disorder.
Police also suspect he travelled across the border into Donegal for a period after last week’s searches.
Defence solicitor Michael Madden stressed his client has no previous record and is not charged with membership of any proscribed organisation.
Mr Madden argued that Mr Osbourne rented out the house to another man and moved out himself after being warned about that individual.
“This defendant is vulnerable, he suffers from PTSD, depression and physical ailments,” the lawyer added.
Bail was refused, however, based on the risks of re-offending, potential harm to the public and interference with the ongoing investigation.
Remanding Mr Osbourne in custody until July 23, Judge Keown said: “It is an extremely concerning set of facts.”
NEWS UPDATES
Ministry of Defence obliged to preserve records on Troubles for the next 10 years
By Rebecca Black, PA, Belfast News Letter, June 26th, 2025
The Ministry of Defence has been obliged to preserve records relating to the Troubles in Northern Ireland for the next 10 years.
It is believed to cover some 50,000 documents relating to Operation Banner, and comes after a request by lawyers for the family of a teenage girl killed in Londonderry in 1971.
Annette McGavigan , 14, was killed during unrest in Londonderry on September 6 . She was said to have been playing with a friend when she was shot dead.
Her family has been campaigning for decades for answers and justice. There is a mural in her memory in the Bogside area of the city.
Last year, Northern Ireland's Attorney General Dame Brenda King granted a fresh inquest into Miss McGavigan's death, but that came just before the former Government's Legacy Act deadline which halted all inquests which had not reached their final stages.
It also followed a decision by the Public Prosecution Service not to prosecute a former soldier in relation to the teenager's death.
Miss McGavigan's family has expressed hope that the current Labour Government will honour the fresh inquests directed by the Attorney General before the cut-off date in April 2024 .
50% increase in Legacy inquests
It is understood that there are some 22 inquests relating to more than 40 deaths in Northern Ireland still outstanding, with some other previously unallocated legacy inquests also due to be honoured.
Patricia Coyle , solicitor for Miss McGavigan's family, said they have secured a Preservation Order for the MoD documents for a further period of 10 years to 2035.
They wrote to the MoD, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (SSCMS) in April to request an extension of an existing Preservation Order for all MoD Operation Banner documents dating from August 1969 to July 2007 .
The 2014 order listed the documents to be preserved as including "operational briefs and summaries, log sheets, patrol and incident reports from Operation Banner in Northern Ireland ".
Miss Gavigan's family said they want to ensure that the MoD continues to preserve all Army documents relating to Operation Banner for the period 1969 to 2007 so that they, and other families seeking information in legacy cases, can access relevant state materials for the purposes of future legacy inquests, civil actions and public inquiries.
Ms Coyle said the Preservation Order is of the utmost importance to all families seeking answers over incidents involving the Army during the Troubles.
"In 2015, my clients sought the preservation of all relevant MoD documents relating to British Army's activities in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007," she said.
"In particular they wished to secure the preservation of all Army documents relating to the killing of their 14-year-old sister Annette on September 6 1971 in Londonderry so these are available for the fresh inquest they achieved last year."
She said the first Preservation Order for these documents was granted in December 2014 for 10 years.
"The legal obligation to preserve 50,000 Army records relating to Northern Ireland was transferred from the Lord Chancellor to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport (SSCMS) in 2015," she said.
"In April, this year our clients sought a further Preservation Order from the MoD, Lord Chancellor and SSCMS. Lawyers acting on behalf of the Ministry of Defence have now confirmed that a further 10-year Preservation Order was signed by SSCMS on May 6 2025.
"The preservation of these records is of paramount importance for all families in Northern Ireland who seek access to information and truth about the killing of their loved ones in cases involving the Army."
Fresh appeal for information about Co Antrim farmer shot dead in 1972
By Rebecca Black, PA, Belfast News Letter, June 26th, 2025
A fresh appeal for information has been launched about the death of a Co Antrim farmer who was found shot dead at his home in 1972.
Joseph Leitch, 72, was found at his property at The Craigs in Cullybackey on Saturday, April 22, 1972.
Police have indicated he may have been killed in a robbery gone wrong.
"Mr Leitch, a 72-year-old retired farmer, lived alone at his property in The Craigs, Cullybackey," a police spokesperson said.
"On Saturday, April 22 1972 , at approximately 12.15am he returned home after visiting his nephew and sister, a short distance away.
"Mr Leitch's body was discovered that evening by a neighbour who had called to visit him. It was later concluded he had died from gunshot wounds."
Police have said they want to establish Mr Leitch's activities in the days before he was found dead.
"More specifically, if he attended Fairhill Market in Ballymena , which was part of his routine," they said.
"It remains unclear whether the murder took place before or after a possible market visit.
"One line of inquiry we have focused on is the possibility that Mr Leitch's murder was connected to a robbery.
"We are appealing to anyone who may have known Joseph Leitch , seen him that day or recalls anything - no matter how small - that might assist the inquiry.
"This renewed appeal is being made with the support of the victim's family."
If you have any information, please contact officers on 101. You can also make a report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
Westlink bonfire asbestos is secured with scrap wood and sandbags
Conor McParland, Belfast Media, June 26th, 2025
A HUGE pile of asbestos next to a Westlink bonfire has been secured by a plastic sheet held down by bits of scrap wood and sandbags, the Andersonstown News can reveal.
On Tuesday we visited the sprawling former Ulster Weavers factory site off the Donegall Road where two months ago a large quantity of the lethal fire-retardant material was found dumped on the site of an Eleventh Night bonfire.
It's believed the asbestos is from the roof of the now-demolished factory where linen and textile products were once made.
We’ve obtained the first pictures of the deadly pile, which early reports suggested was modest in size. It is in fact around five feet high and approximately 50 feet by 30 feet in area, clearly containing tons of the lethal material.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Belfast City Council have been involved in a game of pass-the-parcel over responsibility for dealing with the asbestos, which an NIEA source recently told BBCNI could cost £100,000 to remove. It’s not known whether the fencing and sheeting were put in place by City Hall, the NIEA or the owner of the site, who both agencies have been in contact with.
The asbestos has been ‘secured’ in a way which one builder we spoke to described as “amateur hour”.
A number of six-feet high portable wire fencing panels have been placed around the asbestos. On top of the illegally dumped material a black plastic sheet has been spread, held down by bits of scrap wood and sandbags. Where the sheeting is held to the ground by the sandbags, multiple gaps expose the asbestos underneath.
A local builder we spoke to, who has experience of working with and disposing of hazardous materials, examined our pictures and said the asbestos remains a danger to anyone in its vicinity.
“The fencing is portable and easily bypassed or removed,” he said. “The sheeting has been secured using whatever they seem to have had handy, rather than what’s needed to do the job. It’s just amateur hour. There’s nothing effective enough either to keep kids from getting in there, to stop the elements doing their bit, or to stop burning debris from landing on the plastic. Asbestos is dangerous, but when it's burned it becomes much more dangerous. And there’s gaps everywhere in the sheeting – a strong wind would easily blow it off.”
Access to the site is gained via a set of open double gates at the junction of Lower Rockview Street and Monarch Street. A handwritten sign there on a wooden board reads ‘Dump wood inside bonfire!! Not at gate!! Your (sic) being watched.’ The asbestos has been dumped by the side of a short access road leading to the former factory site which is normally an empty, flat concrete expanse, but which is now dominated by a half-built bonfire and a large variety of dumped items. A hut made of pallets backs on to the asbestos pile.
WARNING: The entrance to the bonfire site is unsecured and a handwritten sign warns that it is being watched2Gallery
Belfast Council considering legal action
At the start of the month, Belfast City Council said it was considering legal action against the NIEA and the landowner if “the necessary steps are not taken to remove the materials and secure the wider site”. In the same statement, the Council said the landowner had put temporary measures in place, but it’s not known whether this was a reference to the sheeting and the sandbags.
An NIEA spokesperson told us: “The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) received a complaint concerning potentially hazardous waste at a site in the vicinity of Meridi Street, Belfast on the afternoon of Friday 16th May.
“Staff from the Environmental Crime Unit within NIEA were in contact with Belfast City Council about the matter on Monday 19th May and enquiries are ongoing.”
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “Council have been engaging with the landowner at this site to ensure that suspected asbestos containing materials are adequately secured. We have also served an abatement notice on the landowner requiring them to secure and contain the materials. NIEA is currently undertaking an enforcement investigation, as they are the lead enforcement authority in relation to this issue.
“Council continues to engage with NIEA and the landowner to ensure that the materials are removed as soon as possible. Elected members have also previously agreed that this may include pursuing legal action to ensure the materials are removed and the wider site secured. Council officers are also continuing to liaise with the local community to ensure that these materials remain fenced off.”
