UK and Ireland Reaffirm Partnership at Hillsborough Summit, Condemning New IRA Attacks
The British and Irish governments have reaffirmed their close partnership and issued a joint condemnation of recent attacks by the New IRA, following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) at Hillsborough Castle. The summit also saw significant commitments on the 1998 Omagh bombing, cross-border security, and energy cooperation.
Background
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference is a key institution established under the 1997 Good Friday Agreement. It provides a formal structure for the British and Irish governments to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly those relating to Northern Ireland. These summits are vital for maintaining the strong bilateral relationship, coordinating policy on security and trade, and upholding the principles of the peace process. The meeting at Hillsborough Castle, a venue of immense historical and political significance, took place against a backdrop of a renewed threat from dissident republican groups, following recent attacks on police stations, and ongoing efforts to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.
The New IRA, a dissident republican paramilitary group formed in 2012 from a merger of several splinter organisations, has been responsible for a series of attacks on security forces in Northern Ireland in recent years. Despite the overwhelming rejection of political violence by communities across Northern Ireland, the group continues to pose a genuine security threat — one that requires sustained and coordinated responses from both the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. The attacks on police stations in Lurgan and Dunmurry represent a deliberate attempt to destabilise the peace process and undermine the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
Key Developments
The conference was co-chaired by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, and the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee TD. A primary focus of the joint communiqué was the unequivocal condemnation of recent New IRA attacks on police stations in Lurgan and Dunmurry. Both governments praised the close and effective cooperation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Síochána in tackling the threat posed by these violent dissident groups. In a hugely significant move for victims of terrorism, the UK government formally confirmed it would establish a statutory inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing, a long-standing demand of the victims' families. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry Bill is now set to progress rapidly through parliament. Further agreements were reached on enhancing energy security through cooperation on offshore wind projects and a joint commitment to developing digital ID solutions to protect the Common Travel Area.
Why It Matters
This summit serves as a powerful demonstration of the enduring strength and importance of the Anglo-Irish relationship, even in the face of political and security challenges. The united front against the New IRA sends a clear and unambiguous message that both governments stand together in opposition to political violence. This solidarity is the bedrock of the peace process. The decision to launch a statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing is a landmark moment for truth and justice. It finally grants the families' campaign the official recognition it deserves and offers the best hope of getting answers to the many outstanding questions about the 1998 atrocity. The agreements on practical matters like energy and digital IDs also show that the relationship is not just about managing the past, but also about building a shared, prosperous future. The Omagh bombing of 15 August 1998, which killed 29 people and injured hundreds more, remains the single deadliest attack of the Troubles — and the families of its victims have waited nearly three decades for a full statutory inquiry.
Local Impact
The decisions taken at Hillsborough have a direct and profound impact on people across Northern Ireland and the border region. For the communities of Lurgan and Dunmurry, the strong condemnation of the recent attacks provides reassurance that their security is a top priority. For the Omagh families, the confirmation of the inquiry is the culmination of a painful, decades-long campaign for truth. The practical cooperation on energy security has the potential to lower costs and create jobs, while the work on digital IDs for the Common Travel Area aims to make cross-border travel and business smoother for everyone on the island of Ireland.
What's Next
The immediate next step will be the progression of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry Bill through the UK Parliament to get the inquiry formally underway. Security cooperation between the PSNI and Gardaí will continue at an operational level to counter the threat from dissident groups. Further bilateral meetings will take place to flesh out the details of the agreements on energy and the Common Travel Area. The BIIGC will continue to meet regularly to oversee these initiatives and manage the crucial British-Irish partnership, which remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in Northern Ireland.
Attribution: GOV.UK | Department of Foreign Affairs Ireland
