Telecommunications experts are preparing reports on mobile phone usage for the Garda investigation into the Omagh bombing last year in which 29 people died, the Special Criminal Court in Dublin was told yesterday.
Supt Thomas Flannery said the investigation into the bombing, which was claimed by the Real IRA, had been "one of the biggest and most complex cross-border investigations ever carried out by the gardai and the RUC".
Extensive inquiries were still taking place on both sides of the Border, he said.
"Very complex inquiries have been carried out in relation to the movement of mobile telephones on August 15th, the day of the Omagh bombing."
The superintendent was reporting on the investigation relating to a man accused of plotting the bombing. Mr Colm Murphy (46), a married father of four and a building contractor and publican, is a native of Co Armagh with an address at Jordan's corner, Ravensdale, Co Louth.
He is charged with conspiring in Dundalk with another person not before the court to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious damage to property in the State or elsewhere between August 13th and 16th last year. He is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation on August 14th last year.
Supt Flannery, of Carrickmacross, told the court telecommunications experts were preparing reports and this information was needed for the book of evidence.
Mr Murphy's solicitor, Mr Michael Farrell, said that his client had been charged 31/2 months ago and it was very onerous for him. He said his client was anxious to have the matter dealt with as soon as possible.
Mr Justice Morris remanded Mr Murphy on continuing bail of £100,000 until July 13th next, and said the court would expect progress to be made by then.