Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, attended the annual memorial event to mark the anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings on 17 May. The Sinn Féin TD is also the Chair of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and a member of the Oireachtas cross party group on victims of the conflict.

Speaking following the event Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“We gathered at the memorial on Talbot Street to remember the families of the 33 civilians and one unborn child who died in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in May 1974.

“The bombings were carried out by the notorious Glennane gang based in South Armagh. It included UVF, MI5, RUC, and UDR members and it is implicated in over 100 deaths.

“The co-ordinated no warning bombings resulted in the highest amount of deaths and casualties in the conflict and yet, no one has ever been brought to justice.

“In 2008, 2011, and 2016 the Dáil unanimously passed motions on the bombings, which called on the British government to release any relevant files that they hold and for the Irish government to press them to comply with this reasonable request.

“The British government has, however, remained steadfast in its refusal to release the files claiming they have no information relevant to this case.

“Many of the families of the victims, like in so many other cases, are getting older or have died waiting for answers.

“Today is a day to remember all those who lost their lives or were injured in the no warning attack on civilians. We should resolve to continue the campaign for truth and justice.

“It is also important that we pay tribute the families of the victims and to the campaigning group Justice for the Forgotten. Their long, dignified struggle in the search for truth and justice has not been easy and continues to be delayed by this British Government. This has to end and the relevant files must be released.”

ENDS