First case of RAAC found in Northern Ireland

An eight-classroom teaching block at Cairnshill Primary School in Belfast, Northern Ireland has been found to contain Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The Department of Education (DE) said engineers had confirmed RAAC was found at the school, with the block now marked as "unsafe for continued use". The classrooms have now been closed and evacuated to protect children and staff.

Following the discovery, the BBC reported the DE's top civil servant Mark Browne as saying the DE and the Education Authority were working with the school to ensure classes affected could return as soon as possible.

Browne confirmed the DE would provide funding for all work required, adding that the school would contact parents and carers about arrangements.

RAAC is a form of lightweight concrete used in the construction of many buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. RAAC is highly aerated with different material properties to conventional concrete. It is mainly found in roofs, occasionally in floors and walls.

A cheaper alternative than ‘standard’ concrete, it is quicker to produce, easier to install, and aerated. However, it is less durable and has a lifespan of around 30 years.

Earlier this year, more than 170 schools in England were told to close buildings made with RAAC.