Priest accused of sexually abusing boy in County Limerick 'steps aside'

A PRIEST has stepped aside from ministry following a child sex abuse allegation in County Limerick.

The Limerick Leader understands the alleged victim only came forward to gardai in recent months. 

The garda investigation centres around sexual abuse claims from the early 1990s when the boy was aged 11 or 12, it is believed.

The priest, who is no longer ministering in the county, was living and working in east Limerick at the time.

It is thought that the complainant is now in his late thirties and resides in Limerick. A file has been prepared for the DPP.

In a statement from the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly to the Limerick Leader following a media query it confirms that a priest of the diocese has “stepped aside from ministry while an alleged historical child safeguarding issue is being dealt with”.

“It is important to state that standing aside does not imply that what is being dealt with is either true or false,” said a spokesperson.

“As in all circumstances the wellbeing of children is at the heart of church activities and this action is in accordance with the church’s standards and guidance document on safeguarding children. All the relevant statutory authorities are aware of this matter. If anyone has any concerns in relation to the safeguarding of children, we advise that they contact gardai, Tusla or the archdiocese’s designated liaison person,” added the spokesperson.