PARENTS, PUPILS and staff at a Gaelscoil in west Dublin have told of their shock and deep sadness after a fire caused extensive damage to their primary school.
Classrooms, computers and a new library at Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig, off Castle Road in Lucan, were badly burned in the blaze and the roof of the premises was destroyed in places.
Gardaí and insurance assessors were at the scene yesterday to examine the effects of the fire at the school, which has been the subject of intensive local fundraising in recent years.
An extension had been added to the mixed complex for 300 pupils from the Lucan and Palmerstown areas over a year ago. The library had just been established at the school, which had been applauded universally in the area for its high standards.
Lisa Kenny (38), whose son Morgan attends, said all parents were very upset because "it had taken so long to get the school where it is today".
Ms Kenny's son Morgan (6) told The Irish Times: "I was crying when I heard about the fire. I thought I would never see my friends any more and that I wouldn't be clever, because school is so important."
However, the youngster added he was consoled by the thought of staying home and enjoying his PlayStation pending the resumption of classes.
Parents and teachers were overcome with emotion at the scene on Sunday night when the fire broke out and mothers and fathers who gathered with their children at the school yesterday spoke of their heartbreak.
On Friday, the expanding school, which has 17 full-time teachers, held a ceremony to celebrate an environmental award. Some of the pupils had made their First Communion at the weekend.
It is thought the fire originated near the school bin store, but senior gardaí would not confirm if arson was suspected.
A Garda spokesperson appealed to members of the local community to contact Lucan Garda station if they can assist in any way with the ongoing investigation.
The fire broke out before 9.30pm on Sunday and acting prinicipal Eimear Ní Mhaolmhuaidh said a mid-section of the building was badly damaged.
Ms Ní Mhaolmhuaidh was visibly upset when describing her feelings about the blaze and could not say when the school would reopen.
Acting mayor of South Dublin County Council, Independent councillor Derek Keating, said he was "absolutely shocked" by the fire and the damage it caused.