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Carryduff parish audit finds ‘no systemic issues' says bishop

The Parish of Drumbo and Carryduff was at the centre of a financial audit. Picture by Hugh Russell
The Parish of Drumbo and Carryduff was at the centre of a financial audit. Picture by Hugh Russell The Parish of Drumbo and Carryduff was at the centre of a financial audit. Picture by Hugh Russell

AN independent audit of a Catholic parish commissioned following complaints of financial mismanagement has found no "systemic issues", the bishop of Down and Connor has said.

Drumbo and Carryduff parish in Co Down has been under investigation since October 2015 after a formal complaint was raised with Bishop Noel Treanor by five members of the finance committee.

The rift in the church saw the entire membership of the Parish Finance Committee (PFC) removed by parish priest Fr Martin Kelly.

In a statement to parishioners at weekend Masses, Bishop Treanor explained the outcome of the independent audit that was launched following the concerns.

The bishop said the auditors' report had made several recommendations that were forwarded to the parish priest in June.

He added: "The report was satisfied that there was no material loss to the parish or monies not accounted for, nor any systemic issues with regard to the financial stewardship of the parish.

"The report found that the former finance committee acted correctly in highlighting its concerns."

Bishop Treanor also directly addressed concerns raised over the sale of a property at Lough Leane Park in Carryduff that was gifted to the parish.

"I can confirm that the property was sold on the open market at full market value by reputable estate agents. This process was also considered to be satisfactory by the auditor," he said.

It's understood the former PFC members had raised concerns in May 2015 and had questioned whether a property had been sold on the open market.

Bishop Treanor said the former PFC members were in office for almost five-and-a-half years and served "responsibly and diligently".

"We now have an opportunity for everyone involved to reflect on what is the best way forward for this parish," he said.

"My hope is that we can learn from this situation and move forward in a way that reflects clearly the deep faith and Christian commitment which is at the heart of this parish."