Extensive remedial works are to be carried out at three primary schools where pyrite has been discovered in the buildings' structures.

St Patrick's in Diswellstown, St Canice's Boys' School in Finglas and St Peter's in Phibsboro all require corrective improvements to reduce the risk of deterioration and collapse, the Irish Independent reports.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it has carried out a risk assessment of the schools deemed to be at most risk and "strategies are in place to address the matter in the three schools affected".

The problems with pyrite were originally discovered after 20,000 homes were left needing structural repairs, as the substance reacts with air or water to expand and cause buildings to swell and crack.

All three schools requiring repairs were only recently refurbished, with works taking place in 2006, 2005 and 2007 respectively.

Pyrite is a common mineral that is a brassy-yellow metallic colour, which is the reason for its nickname Fools Gold.

Written by Donal Walsh

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