A Catholic priest and part-time police chaplain has been charged with historical child sex offences in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.

In February, police began an investigation into allegations against the Catholic priest, who is also a part-time police chaplain.

It is alleged the offences took place in the Lismore Diocese in the 1980s.

Police said the investigation was referenced at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The priest was arrested today and taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was charged with nine offences.

He was refused bail and is expected to appear before Kempsey Local Court tomorrow.