Hundreds of pupils face new relocation for further repair works

ONE of 23 schools that underwent construction following serious structural and health and safety concerns is to close again for up to 18 weeks.

Extensive fire remediation and upgrade works took place at Scoil Chaitlín Maude in Tallaght over the summer after concerns over the structural integrity of the school arose.

The concerns came after initial assessments were carried out on 42 schools built since 2003 by Western Building Systems (WBS).

Initial inspections uncovered issues at 22 schools. The Department of Education and Skills ordered structural checks on the 42 schools as a result last autumn.

According to Scoil Chaitlín Maude, there remains “a lot of very disruptive work to be done” following the initial works over the summer.

The school said that they were advised by the department to temporarily locate to another school building for approximately 16 to 18 weeks.

Some 345 pupils and 30 staff, as well as toddlers in the connecting pre-school, will have to relocate.

It is understood that pupils will be temporarily attending Citywest Educate Together. The school reassured parents that there will be discussions about transporting pupils to and from the temporary school, about 5km away.

A spokesperson for WBS said: “No proven evidence has ever been presented to us to verify claims of defects or that remedial works are necessary at any of the schools we constructed.

“We have had no communication from the Department of Education and Skills in relation to this school and, as previously stated, we remain open and willing to engage with the department at all times.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said that they were hoping to minimise disruption for the school.