The damage caused to Magheracloone GAA pitch (pic courtesy of Border Region TV)

School evacuated following mine collapse

Noelle Finegan

Published: Mon 24 Sep 2018, 1:14 PM

Last updated: Mon 24 Sep 2018, 2:29 PM

UPDATE

6PM: Latest information from Gyproc is that five properties on the perimeter of the subsidence area have been identified and they are working with residents to assess the potential impact.

In its latest statement, Kingscourt based firm Gyproc, says it is currently investigating a case of land subsidence affecting Magheracloone GAA Club and the surrounding area and is still assessing the current situation with the assistance of geological teams to ascertain both the reason for and the extent of the subsidence.

"An initial assessment has identified five properties at the perimeter of the area of subsidence and are working with residents to assess the potential impact," a spokesperson said.

"Having completed an initial assessment across our underground mine working area at our Drumgossatt mine (An area approximately 2 X 1 sq km’s), we have identified five properties located at the perimeter of the area of subsidence in question. We are working with the residents of those properties to assess the potential impact from the incident.

"Our assessment indicates that all areas outside of this zone are unaffected by the incident. We will continue to liaise with local residents and authorities in the area to keep them updated, Our main priority is the safety of local residents, our employees and ensuring no significant environmental impact. Our teams will continue to work diligently to investigate the issue and implement a solution from there."

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Substantial damage has been caused to a GAA grounds and a local primary school has been evacuated following a mine collapse.

A spokesperson for Kingscourt based firm Gyproc has confirmed there has been an incidence of subsidence in the grounds of Magheracloone GAA Club, which is located on the Kingscourt Road, Carrickmacross.

"We are currently assessing the situation with the assistance of geological teams to ascertain both the reason for and the extent of the subsidence. We are liaising with local residents and authorities in the area to advise them of the incident and keep them updated. Our main priority is the safety of local residents, our employees and ensuring no significant environmental impact," the spokesperson said.

The Carrickmacross to Kingscourt Road is closed until further notice as a precaution with diversions in place via Kingscourt/Shercock/Carrickmacross.

Large cracks in the clubhouse (Pic: Border Region TV)

Earlier today, Drumgossat NS sent children home from school as a precaution. In a facebook post, and on its website, the school advised that due to the collapse of the Gypsum Mine in the area of the community centre, the school would close immediately, asking all parents to collect their children as soon as possible and spread the word.

A spokesperson for Monaghan County Council said: "A land subsidence occurred close to Mageracloone GAA club and the Carrickmacross to Kingscourt Regional Road R179 this morning. There were no casualties.

"The local National School has been closed as a precautionary measure.

"The R179 Regional road Carrickmacross to Kingscourt has been closed as a precautionary measure, until further notice. Diversions are now in place and traffic is being diverted via Kingscourt/Shercock/Carrickmacross."

Photos show the extent of the damage caused to Magheracloone GAA pitch, where a large fissure opened in the grounds as well as large cracks appearing in the clubhouse.