THE HOUSE THAT TOM BOUGHT.

Property Description:
Beautifully presented spacious detached four bedroom family home situated in arguably one of the most sought after areas of Mullingar town. With many features including excellent décor throughout, maintenance free exterior, cobble lock driveway, patio area to the rear, small mature development in a prime location just off the Dublin road with easy access to the N4 motorway.

The ground floor accommodation briefly comprises of a welcoming entrance hallway with impressive floor tiling, spotlights and storage under the stairs. Sitting room, which overlooks the front of the house and rear with solid timber flooring and open cast iron fireplace with marble surround. Family room with Laminate flooring, patio doors to rear garden, decorative coving. Kitchen/dining room with impressive fully fitted wall and base units offering ample storage space, granite worktops, Kitchen Island, tiled splash backs and tiled flooring. Utility room with fitted units and guest WC.

The first floor comprises of a spacious landing with solid timber floor four Bedrooms (three being ensuite) and the main family bathroom with three piece with electric shower.

The exterior of this fine home is well maintained with patio area to the rear, outside lighting and power points. To the front is a cobble lock driveway car parking space.

Early viewing on this fine family home is highly recommended.

Dear Bishop Tom,

As you know, I have been blogging about Silverstream Priory and your on-going inaction about same. However, it was brought to my attention that during your tenure as the Ordinary of the Diocese of Meath a large property was purchased by St. Finian’s Diocesan Trust in an exclusive part of Mullingar.

The property in question is located at: 4 Ardmore Hills. The said Trust is located at: Diocesan Office, Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Ireland. I note that the so-called “charitable objectives” of the entity are: “Primary object is to act as permanent trustee for the property and investments of every kind, owned by, held in trust for, or used in connection with the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Meath”.

A search of website of the Charities Regulator indicates that “Saint Finians [sic] Diocesan Trust” has been deregistered. And, the reason stated is that: “This organisation is no longer deemed to be registered under section 40 of the Charities Act 2009 as it no longer has an entitlement to exemption under section 207 or 208 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997”.

Therefore, I write with the following questions.

I note that the Folio shows that currently the property is unencumbered; it is not subject to the burden of a mortgage. Was the Trust a cash buyer? How many other residential properties have been purchased by the Trust on your watch?

By virtue of your appointment as the Ordinary of the Diocese of Meath, did you become the Chair and/or the individual with operational control with responsibility for day-to-day decision-making for the aforesaid Trust? We can reasonably infer that the other trustees will rubberstamp your decision-making.

If so: did you and the trustees authorise the purchase of the property at: 4 Ardmore Hills, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath?

Is it true that the property at 4 Ardmore Hills serves as your principal residence? If so, how did the Trust justify the reckless profligacy that was the purchase of the said property?

If the property is serving as your primary residence, are you, Bishop Deenihan, living at the property rent-free or do you pay a peppercorn rent from your monthly subsistence that you receive by virtue of your appointment as the Ordinary of the Diocese? Is it classed as a taxable benefit, and do you declare same to the Irish tax authorities?

If you are living in the property: have you had a chapel installed where the Eucharist can be celebrated?

If the property does NOT serve as your principal residence: on what basis was the property purchased? Was it purchased as an investment? If so, is the Diocese of Meath in receipt of rental income from same? If so, is the income being declared to the Revenue Commissioners? And, is the tax being paid on any income?

Since the property was purchased: has it been modernised, i.e., has the decor been updated/renewed? If so, can you provide updated pictures of the interior?

Anticipating as always, your prompt response to the questions contained herein; I and the readers of my blog look forward to receiving your answers, and hopefully updated pictures of the interior.

With prayerful best wishes,

+ Pat Buckley