Mapped: The schools to undergo structural examinations nationwide

Wed, 24 Oct, 2018 - 22:26

42 schools which are to undergo emergency structural examinations amid fears over safety have been named.

The schools were built by Tyrone-based firm Western Building Systems under the rapid build programme at the height of the Celtic Tiger.

Map by Marita Moloney

On Monday, the Department of Education confirmed it has launched an urgent structural review of the schools after serious structural problems were uncovered at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan, Dublin, leading to the facility’s partial closure.

Yesterday, a second WBS school — Tyrrelstown Educate Together in Dublin — was also told it must shut.

Education Minister Joe McHugh said today that a structural review of a number of schools has shown an 80% chance of a wall falling out.

The Minister says students, parents and teachers should know by the end of midterm if their school has to join a number already closed and says teams will be working through the bank holiday weekend to examine the safety of the schools.

In a statement, Western Building Systems said: “It is our understanding that the assessment of school buildings initiated by the Department of Education and Skills is focussed on two issues – fire safety and building structures.

“We understand from public reports that the Department’s assessment involves a range of schools, including 42 schools which we either fully or partially constructed.

“It is important, not least for pupils, parents and teachers, that accurate information is firmly established as to the process now underway.

“In respect of the 30 fire safety inspections carried out by the Department, we have only received reports for 20 schools, responding to each in full. We continue to await receipt of the 10 outstanding reports. On the building structures, we have only received a draft report for one school.

This morning, we wrote to the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD seeking an urgent meeting with him to better understand the Department’s concerns and the process that is now underway.

"This afternoon, we were contacted by representatives of the Department inviting us to engage in the assessment process for Ardgillan Community College, Tyrellstown Educate Together National School and St Luke’s National School, Mulhuddart. These are the three schools that have been closed on the basis of structural concerns.

"We welcome this development as it allows for a better understanding of why these schools, previously deemed compliant by the Department, have now been closed. We note reports this evening that a similar assessment by the Department at another school is indicating that the school does not need to be closed."

The full list of schools under examination are:

Cork

Cara Jnr (Special) School, Cork City

Carrigaline Educate Together National School

Gaelscoil Chloich na Coillte, Clonakilty renamed GS Mhichíl Uí Choileáin

Macroom Boys National School

Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown

Donegal

Letterkenny Educate Together National School

Dublin

Griffeen Valley Educate Together National School

Lucan East Educate Together National School