A file is expected to be sent to the DPP within weeks on allegations of sexual and physical abuse by Christian brothers at a former industrial school in north Connemara. During a Garda investigation, statements have been taken from 13 former pupils who attended Letterfrack Industrial School, alleging that they were sexually and physically abused while resident in the institution. In statements to gardai, the former pupils named a number of brothers who they claim were responsible for the alleged abuses.
The investigation began early last year when a man made a complaint to gardai in Dublin of being abused while a resident at the institution. Gardai in Clifden then made contact with several other former pupils of the industrial school, who also alleged sexual and physical abuse.
The Letterfrack school catered for boys between six and 16 who were orphaned, came from broken homes or were young offenders. The alleged victims were all under 14. The institution closed in the mid 1970s.