A CATHOLIC priest who resigned from senior roles after a child safeguarding investigation into a "historical complaint" has moved into a parish-owned house near four schools.
Monsignor Aidan Hamill stepped down in November as parish priest of St Peter's and St Paul's in Lurgan and vicar general in the Diocese of Dromore.
It followed a probe into a complaint made in 2014. The diocese said the complaint was "upheld" but did not give further details.
Police were informed, but no formal complaint was made.
The retired priest has since been assigned to "some chaplaincy services in the diocese" and assisting with administration.
Mgr Hamill, who is in his seventies, is understood to have moved into a vacant house in Newry last week.
The property is understood to be owned by the parish and has previously housed retired priests.
Some residents have expressed concern over Mgr Hamill living there after learning of the child safeguarding complaint.
One who contacted The Irish News said several young families live in the area, and the house is near four schools – Newry High, Sacred Heart Grammar, Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar and St Ronan's Primary School.
"I just thought it's not appropriate," said the resident, who did not wish to be named.
In response, a Dromore diocese spokesman referred to the statement released in November by then bishop John McAreavey announcing the cleric's resignation from senior roles.
The spokesman added: "The diocese wishes to assure the public that it has followed safeguarding procedures in consultation with the civil authorities in this matter."
In November Dr McAreavey said Mgr Hamill "cooperated fully" with the investigation and voluntarily stepped down from active ministry when the probe began.
He said the retired priest would "take on other duties in the diocese appropriate to a restricted ministry".
The diocese followed the Catholic Church's national child-safeguarding procedures and statutory authorities were informed, Dr McAreavey added.
The PSNI at the time said it received a report of "historical abuse" from a third party in July 2014 but "no formal complaint was made".
"As a result, the victim was advised that an investigation could not be progressed by police until a statement of complaint was made," a spokeswoman said.
