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08th Oct 2015

Safety audit ordered after school is deemed a firetrap

Katie Mythen-Lynch

Safety checks are to be carried out at five Irish schools after another school built by the same company was revealed to be a serious fire safety hazard. 

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan told the Irish Examiner that she is “currently arranging” a major safety audit on the schools built by Western Building Systems. The Co. Tyrone company constructed Rush and Lusk Educate Together National School, which, according to the newspaper, has recently been found to ‘lack cavity barriers in walls to prevent the spread of flames and the non-existence of special intumescent paint designed to protect steel girders in intense heat, among other matters.’

A follow-up report by Dublin Fire Brigade revealed that, in the event of a fire, the building’s occupants would only have 20 minutes to escape instead of the standard 60.

The following schools are due to be examined immediately:

  • Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan, Dublin (2009)
  • Scoil Naomh Lucais, Tyrrellstown, Dublin (2008)
  • Belmayne Educate Together (2008)
  • Greystones Educate Together / Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, Dublin (2008)
  • Mullingar Educate Together, Westmeath (2008)

Do you have safety concerns about your child’s school? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.