Over 60 schools in the Mid-Ulster area still have asbestos in their buildings, according to a local MLA.
DUP’s Ian McCrea says he was ‘shocked’ to learn that over 60 primary and secondary schools in the area are known to still have asbestos present.
The figure was revealed after Mr McCrea requested the information from the Education Minister.
Speaking today, Ian McCrea said: “Having raised the question with the Education Minister to find out how many schools in Mid Ulster have asbestos present, I could not help but be shocked to learn that over 60 of our schools still have asbestos present in their buildings.
“This is a worrying statistic, especially given the dangers accompanying the inhalation of asbestos fibres and the fact the according to the General Register Office, up to 75 deaths per year in Northern Ireland have asbestosis and/or mesothelioma listed as the primary or secondary cause of death.
“I do not want to raise alarm bells with parents, as asbestos poses little risk unless the material is disturbed and becomes airborne and the fibres are released into the atmosphere; but I feel it is incumbent for the Education Minister to remove and eradicate any material containing asbestos from our schools, as I feel that no risk is better than little risk.”
See Tuesday’s County Derry Post for a full list of the schools.
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