Primary school closes due to extensive water leaks during roof work

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 21:44 · Archive

A County Londonderry primary school has closed due to about 38 water leaks across the building caused by ongoing roof work.

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School in Strathfoyle, County Londonderry, has been forced to close on Friday due to extensive water damage. According to the principal, Eamonn Moore, approximately 38 water leaks are present across the entirety of the building, with rain water now entering every classroom and shared area. Water is lying in numerous areas, prompting the school to apply for an exceptional closure day to safeguard pupils.

Moore said the school has experienced roof issues and leaks for nearly five years. However, he said Thursday's adverse weather brought the problem to a critical level, describing the amount of water entering the building as being 'on a whole new level' compared to previous incidents. He stated the school had made 'numerous overtures' to the Education Authority regarding the leaks, with officials responding by fixing issues piecemeal rather than addressing the overall problem.

Structural engineers and architects were brought in to assess the damage and determined the roof needed replacing, a decision made earlier this year. The school has called an emergency meeting with Education Authority officials, the chair of governors and roofing contractors for Friday to address the crisis.

How it is being reported

• School forced to close due to water leaks 'in all areas' of buildingThe school says ongoing roof work has left many areas exposed, with water now entering the building.BBC Northern Ireland · 8 Oct, 21:05
• Derry primary school forced to close after ‘huge number of leaks’ in all areasA Derry primary school has been forced to close due to a ‘huge number of leaks’ in all areas of the building.Derry Journal · 8 Oct, 17:28

In this story: St Oliver Plunkett Primary School · Strathfoyle · County Londonderry · Eamonn Moore · Education Authority

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem