The Omagh Bombing Inquiry is examining whether the single worst atrocity of the Troubles could have been prevented
Twenty-nine people, including a woman expecting twins, were murdered in the Real IRA attack on 15 August 1998
This is the fourth week of hearings
Ms McCullagh says the council acted as a conduit to facilitate assistance to the community and businesses during the immediate aftermath of the bomb and there after.
Staff were redeployed to fulfil roles.
Alison McCullagh is now speaking, she says the council recognised the particular impact on young people.
She says that efforts were made to work with schools and other organisations to provide support and safe spaces for children to speak about their experiences.
A textile artist was commissioned, Carole Kane, who organised workshops involving pupils local schools to create a series of pictures, made with flowers left in the town after the bomb.
A book called 'Petals of Hope' was created, books were given to the bereaved families.
An exhibit travelled across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Madrid.
He says that lower Market Street became an impromptu site for flowers and tributes.
He says there were concerns about the structural integrity of the buildings in this area but says safe areas were identified for people to leave tributes.
When the scale of the loss of life was clear, the leisure centre became a focal point for the bereaved.
Staff were redeployed to do "whatever was needed, without hesitation".
He says none of the council staff involved in the carnival "could have known how the day would unfold" and how their actions in the hours and days that followed would help so many.
The day of the bombing was the day of the community carnival.
"The town was busy, a usual shopping day," he says.
The town was "looking well".
Mr McClaughry says his statement will focus on the role of council staff and councillors, who he says "demonstrated a desire to do the best they could at the most challenging time for their community and their town".
Mr McClaughry says the dignity and composure of those who have borne testimony to the events has been a striking aspect of the inquiry.
John McClaughry says the purpose of the statement is threefold:
Image source, Omagh Bombing InquiryJohn McClaughry is the Chair of the Fermanagh and Omagh district council and Alison McCullagh is the chief executive of the council.
John McClaughry is the Chair of the Fermanagh and Omagh district council and Alison McCullagh is the chief executive of the council.
They will read a statement.
The report says it is "appalling" that the Trust's services should have been tested in such a way.
It concludes that "good people combined to address and repair what damage has been done".
The bombing will have long term implications he says.
He says the trust has a vital role to properly assist in rehabilitation of those involved in the bomb.
The Chairman of the Trust notes in the report that as part of the community the staff are grieving also.
Many of our own staff have been bereaved or injured.
It says they are trying to support those people.
VIPs including royalty, spent time with the staff and injured.
He says every visitor "contributed to the morale of patients and staff".
The report's author say they have been "inundated" with card, gifts and money from around the world.
Included in these gifts were van loads of fruit and flowers from the people of Dublin.
It says there have been offers of help from other health Trusts and voluntary organisations around Ireland.
A Spanish teacher and student from a college in Enniskillen translated for the young Spanish children admitted to the Erne hospital.
Another went with a transferred patient to the Royal hospital and stayed with the child.
He says these are the examples of selflessness that this event brought about.
The report says there will be "many stories to tell".
It says there will be "good stories of immense humanity".
The report's author say they have been "deeply touched" by the responses to the bombing.
There was a profound affect on all of those involved.
He says whether involved in the incident or helping those who have been traumatised, it will have had a profound affect.
Airlift support helped with immediate transfers, with the assistance of local regiments.
"Lives were saved that could otherwise be lost."
The report states: "We are a strong community now united in our revulsion and in our mutual caring and support for all who have suffered."
Politicians, clergy and government ministers reflected on the perpetrators.
People pulled together on the day, and since that time, offering support, he says "I am confident that any attempt by terrorists to divide the community, failed."