Primary school children in Lucan County Dublin were evacuated safely following a major gas leak in the area this morning.
The pupils of Scoil Aine Naofa and Saint Thomas’ Junior National School were immediately evacuated by staff, after a gas main was struck near Esker Drive.
Gas Networks Ireland said it responded to a report of third-party damage to a gas pipeline in Lucan, and the situation was made safe just before 10 am.
Dublin Fire Brigade also attended the scene.
No injuries have been reported and parents are being 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.
Earlier 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.
“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.”
Just before 10.30am Dublin Fire Brigade posted on social media to say “a gas main was struck near Esker Drive
