BREAKING: Celbridge Primary School To Close Due to Safety Concerns

The Board of Management of St. Patrick's Primary School in Celbridge made the decision due to recent fire safetly and building compliance concerns

Parents, staff and students of St. Patrick's Primary School in Celbridge received notification from the schools Board of Management (BOM) that the school will close with effect from tomorrow Thursday March 5th. 

In a lengthy statement to parents, the BOM cited due to recent external fire safety and building compliance reviews, they were taking the pro-active decision to close the school temporarily.

At the time of writing, it is unclear how long the closure is for but the Parents Association are facilitating a meeting tomorrow evening at 8pm with the Board of Management, School Staff and Parents in the GAA.

Kfm News recently published a detailed overview of two damning compliance reports highlighting safety concerns. The reports can be read here.

The full statement issued to parents this afternoon from the school can be read below: 

Following recent external fire safety and building compliance reviews the Board of Management has taken the decision to temporarily close the building with effect from effect 05/03/2026.

This decision has been made in the interests of the safety, health and welfare of our pupils and staff. 

Independent assessments identified a number of fire safety and building compliance matters which require urgent attention. 

While there has bee no specific incident giving rise to this decision, the Board considers it both prudent and responsible to pause occupation of the building in order to implement priority works and ensure full statutory compliance. 

The closure will allow for;
    • Immediate implementation of priority fire safety measures
    • Further verification of structural and building compliance matters
    • Engagement with the relevant statutory authorities to confirm a clear compliance pathway. 
    • Coordination of necessary remedial 

The Board wishes to emphasise that this decision has been taken proactively. Acting at this stage allow required works to proceed in a controlled and structured manner, rather than responding reactively at a later point. 

We recognise this temporary closure will cause disruption to families, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience. The safety of our school community however must remain the overriding consideration. 

The Board is currently working closely with:
    • The Department of Education
    • Professional advisors
    • Relevant statutory authorities
to
    • Progress urgent remedial actions
    • Determine a timeline for safe reoccupation 
    • Explore temporary accommodation solutions where feasible. 

The PA has facilitated a meeting with the Board of Management, School Staff and Parents in the GAA, Thursday 5th at 8pm. 

We will provide further additional information as it becomes available, and communication will continue regularly throughout the process. 

We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this period. 

Kind Regards
Breda Holmes
Chairperson
BOM
St. Patrick’s National School