A PARISH PRIEST has voluntarily stepped down from his duties after a complaint was made against him.

A statement from the Bishop of Kilmore Leo O’Reilly, which was read in churches across the diocese over the weekend, said that the bishop had received a complaint in relation to a “child safeguarding matter”.

O’Reilly said that the alleged incident happened “a considerable time ago”.

“I deeply regret to say that I have received a complaint against a priest of the diocese in pastoral ministry which raises concerns in relation to child safeguarding matters.

In accordance with diocesan child safeguarding procedures, the priest has voluntarily agreed to take administrative leave whilst an investigation takes place concerning the complaint.

O’Reilly said that gardaí have been made aware of the complaint, but stressed that the priest in entitled to the presumption of innocence.

An acting parish priest has been named in the church.

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O’Reilly said that the diocese is committed to child safety.

“I want to assure everybody again, as I have done before, that the Diocese of Kilmore is fully committed to safeguarding children and I invite anybody in the diocese who may have concerns in this regard to bring them to the attention of the Child Safeguarding Designated Person of the diocese, Suzie Duffy at 049 437 5004 (Ext 105).