Priest takes leave

Fr Eugene Boland - who was administrator in Galliagh for several years and served in Creggan and Waterside - has taken "administrative leave" from his current parish in Killyclogher, Co Tyrone.

It’s understood that the allegation against the priest is historical and does not concern his current parish.

Fr Boland (63) told his congregation during Sunday Mass that he was taking leave from the parish.

And in a statement issued by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, it was revealed that the parish priest had "requested and been granted administrative leave while an issue of safeguarding is being processed".

The statement added: "The paramount concern of the diocese is, and will continue to be, the safety and welfare of children."

The statement noted that the priest and the diocese "has and continues to co-operate fully with the civil authorities".

"While this process is ongoing the priest is entitled to the benefit of a presumption of innocence," the statement added.

Bishop Hegarty has also called on anyone with concerns on any matters regarding the safeguarding of children in the Catholic Church to report them to the police or the Derry Diocesan Designated Officer "who will assist with any contact with the civil authorities".

The statement added; “The diocese also encourages any person who has a concern about any safeguarding matters in the Church context to report these to the civil authorities or to the Diocesan Designated Officer, who will assist with any contact with the civil authorities.”