Waterpark College in Waterford issues statement on historical abuses at school

Waterpark College has issued a statement to the Waterford News & Star regarding the recently published report of the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders.

Waterpark College is one of 13 Waterford schools featured in the report. It had the second highest number of abuse allegations in the county, with 17 allegations against five alleged abusers.

Waterpark College is operated under the auspices of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, who said in their own statement last week that they “co-operated fully with the scoping inquiry over the past year and provided the information required as comprehensively and honestly as possible”.

The statement from Waterpark College read: “Waterpark College acknowledges that the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools Run by Religious Orders, presented to the Department of Education on 3rd September. We unequivocally condemn all forms of sexual abuse that took place in schools.

“We readily acknowledge the hurt caused to victims of sexual abuse and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been deeply hurt by such abuse. The rights and human dignity of all persons, especially children, must be protected and the welfare and safety of each person, especially the child and young adult, must be prioritised.” 

Additionally, the school outlined safety measures that are in place: “Waterpark College wishes to ensure that schools today are safe places for all, and that the highest standards of child safeguarding are in place, along with the ongoing development of a culture of care, openness and transparency.

“Above all, our response to abuse allegations must be grounded in gospel authenticity (truth, openness, transparency and accountability) rather than institutional preservation or preservation of assets.

“To ensure that the horrific abuses that occurred in the past will never be repeated, all schools have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in place and report annually to their patron confirming that this policy has been reviewed and that a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is available to students and staff to report any incidents of concern.

“The Department of Education carries out regular Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CPSI) in schools and issued updated procedures to all schools in 2023."

The statement concluded: “Our patron, Edmund Rice Schools Trust, co-operated fully with the Scoping Inquiry over the past year and provided the information required as comprehensively and honestly as possible. We will continue to cooperate fully with any future inquiries or investigations.”

Three other Waterford schools were contacted for a statement on the report.