Western Building Systems has insisted there were no, ‘short cuts or penny pinching’ in its construction of schools.
Three of the four Laois schools built by WBS were identified as possibly requiring “urgent structural assessments”.
This follows the discovery of “significant structural issues” at a Dublin secondary school.
Maryborough NS is the only one of five buildings constructed by Western Building Systems in the midlands which is deemed safe to reopen.
Portarlington Convent National School, Gaelscoil Portlaoise and Portlaoise Educate Together National School will need fencing and protective decking before they can open their doors again.
Gaelscoil Phortlaoise and Portlaoise Educate Together NS must get protection from potential falling structures, at every external doorway and fire exit, and around the perimeter of the building.
It is hoped that all three Laois schools will be able to reopen on Monday after the midterm break.
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