School defends its management of gas leak incident

The large West Cork school at the centre of a gas leak drama which resulted in a student being treated in hospital has defended its handling of the crisis.

Maria Immaculata Community College in Dunmanway said it is satisfied that it followed its own health and safety procedures, and contacted all the relevant parents once the leak was reported.

But principal Donal O’Sullivan said they will review the procedures to ensure they meet best practice.

“We are happy we followed our agreed health and safety procedures,” he said.

“The health and safety of our staff and students is the top priority of school management.”

He also confirmed that following an examination yesterday by an independent contractor of gas equipment in the lab at the centre of Thursday’s incident, he is satisfied the leak was isolated to just one valve.

No faults were identified leading the school to believe the leak was due to one valve being left partially open during a class.

Three second-year students complained of feeling unwell during a practical science class on Thursday.

The teacher evacuated all the students, the parents of the unwell students were contacted, and collected their children from school.

One student attended her GP and was referred to Cork University Hospital for a detailed assessment.

Later, other students complained of feeling unwell.

Five ambulances were dispatched to the school where all affected students were assessed and given the all clear.