TD expresses concerns for 30 schools including some in Kildare regarding structural examinations

By Kim O'Leary

Fiona O’Loughlin, TD for South Kildare has expressed her concerns following the decision by the Department of Education to carry out urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built over the past 10 years.

The Fianna Fáil TD said, “I have been informed that 30 schools will now have urgent structural examinations following the discovery of structural problems in a post primary school in Dublin that has resulted in some children having to stay at home”.

Two schools in Athy, County Kildare are included in the list of schools that require urgent checks following the extensions built onto them by Western Building systems.  The schools in Kildare that are said to be checked are Scoil Phádraig Naofa, with respect to a Phase Two structure and an 8 classroom building connected with the Athy Model School.

“The Department must take this very serious. It is extremely concerning for the principals, teachers, parents and students in an environment they are unsure about the safety. I will be raising this matter with the Minister and pressing that these checks are completed by the end as easily as possible."

Deputy O’Loughlin concluded, "The Mid- Term break is coming up and this would be a perfect time for schools to be checked so that schools know where they stand upon return from Mid-Term."