23 schools now with structural problems in WBS scandal

A TOTAL of 23 schools have been identified as having structural problems, according to the latest update on the school building controversy.

The Department of Education confirmed last night that the list of buildings affected has grown, with structural problems discovered in five more schools. All 42 schools built by Western Building Systems have now been assessed.

Nineteen schools will be able to open fully on Monday, but only after external protective decking is placed around the building.

The five schools added to this list yesterday were Griffeen Valley Educate Together National School in Dublin, as well as four Cork schools: Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin, Clonakilty; Carrigaline Educate Together National School; St. Colman’s Boys National School, Macroom; and part of Cara Junior (Special) School.

Three more schools will be able to open at ground floor level only on Monday, including Tyrrelstown Educate Together National School, St Luke’s National School, Tyrellstown and Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan.

Meanwhile, eight more schools were cleared to open fully without any intervention, bringing the total of schools with no issues to 19.

One building at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan – the first school found to have faults – remains closed.

The Department has confirmed that classes for all students will resume on Monday after the mid-term break. However, the partial closure of four schools will leave hundreds of pupils misplaced.

Last night, Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the next phase of the process ‘will involve more detailed assessment and, where required, permanent remediation works to fully rectify any issues arising’. Contractors are today due to begin implementing precautionary measures at all required schools.

The Department confirmed it is aiming to have all interventions complete before schools reopen on Monday, and that arrangements are in place to keep school principals updated daily.

Western Building Systems said last night that ‘no details’ of the assessments had been shared with it, and added that each of the 42 schools assessed was previously certified as being free from defects by the Department and their professionals – ‘the same people who have now arrived at a different view’.