The principal of one of Dublin's leading girls' schools, Muckross Park, has called on the Department of Education to fund a new building after flooding closed her school until Thursday.
The management of the school in Donnybrook, Dublin, told its 668 pupils not to come to school yesterday after a water pipe burst in the school's concert hall on Friday, causing extensive damage to the main school building.
"There was water everywhere on the first floor, so it seeped down to the floor beneath," said Ms Patricia Fitzsimons. "The heating was turned off, so we won't be able to open the school again until Thursday."
According to Ms Fitzsimons, Muckross Park has been campaigning for a new school for many years, as the original school building is over 100 years old and can no longer provide adequate science facilities for its students. However, it was recently informed by the Department of Education that it would not be allowed to proceed with a tender for the proposed new building.
"Given that the Department has been making noises about wanting people to do science, especially in girls' schools, it just does not make sense," she said.
"We need a new school full stop, because we don't have facilities for the 21st century, but also because of the fabric of our building . . . we wouldn't be closed now if the building was in mint condition."
Parents at the school stressed that the closure came at a difficult time for students. Ms Niamh Hardiman, who has a daughter studying for the Junior Certificate at the school, said: "It's very hard for them to keep their motivation going, particularly when they have 'mocks' coming up in a couple of weeks.
"It is a very well-run school and is highly sought-after. It's a very happy place, but we all feel that at this stage . . . a new school is the only thing that could improve the quality of life for everyone," she said.