The inquiry is to move to Britain for the hearing of the evidence of soldier witnesses, and has already set about seeking a suitable venue, it was announced yesterday.
Tribunal chairman Lord Saville said the inquiry hopes to be ready to move in the summer. Arrangements will include "reasonable facilities" for family members of Bloody Sunday victims to attend.
A videolink will be provided back to Derry to allow locals to watch from there. The inquiry is to maintain its present facilities in Derry's Guildhall, so that it can return to complete its work.
Up to 400 soldiers have been listed as potential witnesses, but it is believed the list is being whittled down to confine it, as far as possible, to those whose evidence may be of most relevance.
All military witnesses, except prominent officers whose names are already known, have been granted anonymity by decision of British higher courts.
Last month, the Court of Appeal in London ruled that the soldiers' evidence should not be taken in Derry, on the grounds that military witnesses had "reasonable fears for their safety" if they were to travel there.
Subsequently, the tribunal initially favoured hearing the soldiers' evidence in Derry by videolink from Britain, because, as Lord Saville put it yesterday: "We remained of the view that the proper place for this inquiry is in the city where the events of Bloody Sunday took place."
Both the families and soldiers, through their lawyers, objected to this arrangement, however, and the decision has now been taken to move the entire tribunal to a new temporary venue in Britain.
Mr Peter Madden, of Madden and Finucane, solicitors, who act for most of the relatives, said last night the families were happy the soldiers are to give their evidence in person.
In evidence yesterday, Irish Press photographer, Mr Pat Cashman, said that on the day before Bloody Sunday, a British army press officer had advised him not to walk in front of the marchers the following day. Mr Cashman said it was the first time he had been given such a warning.
The inquiry continues today.