School Closure Highlights Ongoing Asbestos Risks in Ireland

21 Aug 2025

While asbestos hasn’t been legal to use in construction since the late 90s, it still presents a significant risk to people in Ireland. This was underlined recently in the news when an Ennis school was forced to close when the material was discovered at the site. 

As reported by the Irish Examiner, students and staff had to be moved to alternative classrooms while safety checks and remedial action were carried out. The disruption affected families across the area and showed how significant the impact can be when asbestos is found unexpectedly.

Preventing Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma

When disturbed, asbestos releases fibres that can cause life-threatening diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The closure in Ennis proves asbestos remains a pressing workplace health and safety issue that demands careful consideration. 

In Ennis, the professional response was immediate: testing, assessment, and a managed plan of action. This is how asbestos must always be handled. Attempting to cut, drill, or remove it yourself only increases the danger of exposure. 

Safe management relies on the involvement of trained asbestos surveyors and licensed asbestos companies with a full understanding of safety regulations.

The key reasons DIY is never an option:

• No access to proper protective equipment or safe removal methods

• High risk of contaminating homes, schools, or workplaces

• Legal breaches, as only authorised professionals may carry out asbestos removal and disposal

The OHSS team provides independent asbestos surveys, expert workplace risk management, and full occupational hygiene support. As trusted workplace safety consultants in Ireland, we help organisations stay compliant while protecting staff, students, and the wider public.

Protecting Ireland from Asbestos Since 2001

The Ennis case shows that when procedures are followed correctly, no one gets hurt now or in the years ahead. Bringing in licensed experts for asbestos removal in Ireland is the only course of action, as it ensures safety is maintained and exposure risks are avoided.

At OHSS, our team of health and safety consultants in Ireland specialise in hazard identification and practical solutions for workplace safety. To learn more about our full range of asbestos and occupational health services, visit www.ohss.ie or call 01 6905907 today.

‹ BACK TO BLOG