Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ashbourne Community College Google Street View
Chemical

Army called in after unstable chemical found at Meath school

The Irish Defence Forces carried out a controlled explosion after the chemical was discovered during a routine audit.

AN UNSTABLE CHEMICAL was found during a routine audit of chemicals in a school science lab in Meath this morning forcing an army bomb disposal team to later carry out a controlled explosion.

The Irish Defence Forces say that a team was deployed to Ashbourne Community College in Meath where a quantity of 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine was found during a routine chemical audit in the school lab.

2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine is a chemical compound which is routinely used in laboratories but can crystallise and become unstable over time. It can become sensitive to shock and friction and must be handled with care when used.

The Defence Forces say an army bomb disposal team arrived on the scene at 9.35am this morning and removed the chemical to waste ground where a controlled explosion was carried out and the scene was declared safe exactly an hour later.

It was the 154th time the team was called out this year and the 14th time a ‘substance of concern’ was disposed of.

The school declined to comment further.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
3
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.