Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the bombing, which was orchestrated by the Real IRA and led to the deaths of 29 people and two unborn children as well as injuries to 220 people.

Scottish judge Lord Turnbull was appointed earlier this summer as chair of a coming statutory inquiry in the UK, which was announced in response to a 2021 ruling by Northern Ireland’s High Court.

The High Court ruling directed that an Article 2-compliant investigation be carried out in Northern Ireland, and went on to express its desire that a simultaneous investigation be carried out south of the border.

The terms of reference for the inquiry have not yet been decided, but the inquiry will focus on the preventability of the bombing.

The High Court found there was a “plausible case … that the authorities knew the identities of many of those committed to and involved in this violent insurrection against the Northern Ireland state and arguably could have done more to disrupt their activities”.

Mr Martin yesterday said Irish government officials “stand ready to engage with members of the UK’s inquiry team as soon as they are appointed”, The Irish Times reports.

He added: “When we have further clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the Minister for Justice and my Cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.

“As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this State will co-operate fully.”