Sex abuse file is not yet ready, say gardai

Garda authorities in west Cork have said they are conducting a detailed investigation into claims by former residents of the …

Garda authorities in west Cork have said they are conducting a detailed investigation into claims by former residents of the Upton Industrial School, but that the file is not yet ready to go to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The school, which closed in 1966 after a fire, was run by the Rosminian Order. Allegations of sexual and physical abuse have been made against several members of the order, on dates ranging from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Garda investigation has been made more difficult because many of those named in the allegations have died.

Suggestions of abuse at the school have been widespread in Cork for decades.

A Garda source in Cork said last night a substantial file existed on the matter and investigations were continuing. He added: "The file is open, and we are working on it, but you can take it that the DPP will not be receiving a document from us within the next week."