No injuries have been reported and parents are being told that coats and school bags are to be collected tomorrow
Children and staff in both Scoil Aine Naofa and St Thomas’ JNS in Lucan, Co Dublin, had to be collected immediately from school this morning following the incident.
Emergency services attended the site earlier and no phones were permitted on the grounds for safety reasons.
No injuries were reported and parents have been told that coats and school bags are to be collected tomorrow.
In notices shared by Cllr Vicki Casserly, the school contacted parents and guardians with the urgent message: “There has been a major gas leak in Scoil Aine Naofa and St Thomas’ JNS.
“All children have been evacuated and must be collected from the main entrance immediately. Coats and schoolbags to be collected tomorrow,” it added.
Cllr Casserly praised the school and emergency services for their fast action this morning.
“I think a gas main was hit and there was an evacuation of the two schools, there was just a big bang,” she said.
“The evacuation and the response by both the school and emergency services was incredible. The children were brought out safely and quickly. Parents were notified instantly too.
“It was a bit frightening for the kids, but the school staff and parents kept calm and handled the situation as best as they could. They kept the kids feeling comfortable and not scared.”
A spokesperson for Gas Networks Ireland said: “At 9:14am today, 7th Oct, Gas Networks Ireland responded immediately to a report of third-party damage to a gas pipeline in Lucan, Co Dublin.
“Gas Networks Ireland staff arrived on site at 9:28am and the situation was made safe at 9:58am.”
Just before 10.30am, Dublin Fire Brigade posted on social media to say “a gas main was struck near Esker Drive off the R120”.
“Traffic restrictions in place, avoid if possible. One fire engine remains on scene,” it added.
Earlier this morning, gardaí added that the road closures would be lifted “shortly”.
A statement from Dublin City Council added: “Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) is currently working with Gas Networks Ireland and An Garda Síochána near Esker Drive in Lucan after a gas main was struck.
“DFB was called at 9.29am and, as a precaution, a number of buildings have been evacuated. One fire engine remains at the incident to support scene safety and firefighters will continue assist the other agencies in attendance.”
