Nineteen schools constructed by Western Building Systems (WBS) have been cleared to open "without intervention", with a further 19 "enabled to open in full following external precautionary measures in the form of a fence around the building (or part of the building) and protective decking".

The Department of Education and Skills confirmed that the outcomes of the structural assessments conducted on all schools constructed by WBS have now been received.

The summary position is:

• 19 schools cleared to open in full without intervention

• 19 schools enabled to open in full following external precautionary measures in the form of a fence around the building (or part of the building) and protective decking

• 3 schools which will be enabled to open, initially at ground floor level only, following the implementation of internal engineering solutions and external precautionary measures

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• 1 building (part of Ardgillan Community College) closed

Confirming the outcome of the assessments, Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D. said: "The project managers, structural engineering teams and Department officials have been working intensively to enable the finalisation of all structural assessments today and to give the necessary clarity to school authorities and communities.

"Right throughout this process, our overriding priority has been the safety of school students and staff. This has led us to adopt a very cautious approach and to initiate precautionary interventions where structural issues have been identified during the assessments.

In cases where precautionary external or internal interventions are being implemented, this is with the purpose of ensuring the safe occupation of all or part of the building, and ensuring that disruption to classes is minimised.

"The next phase of the process will involve more detailed assessment and, where required, permanent remediation works to fully rectify any issues arising."

Contractors will be mobilised to implement precautionary measures at all schools where this is required. The target is to have these interventions completed in time to facilitate schools reopening after the mid-term break. Arrangements are in place to ensure that school principals concerned are kept fully informed of progress on a daily basis.

More detailed investigations and any necessary permanent remediation work will be dealt with in a follow-up phase.