A solicitor for a man accused of the Omagh bombing has told a court in Belfast he will be requesting forensic witnesses to be called for cross-examination at a hearing next month.
Sean Gerard Hoey, 35, an electrician from Molly Road, Jonesborough in south Armagh, appeared by video link
at Belfast Magistrates Court.
He is charged with the murders of 29 people in the August 1998 bombing and is the first person to be charged with murder in relation to the blast.
He is also charged with 23 explosives offences and conspiracy to murder.
The conspiracy charges relate to members of the security forces.
Mr Hoey spoke only once to confirm his name when he appeared at this morning's hearing.
The magistrate said it was in everyone's interest to conclude the case as soon as possible.
The court heard the preliminary investigation is expected to start on 20 June and should last about seven weeks.
