Dangerous concrete found at seven Coleraine university buildings must be fixed asap – MLA

East Derry MLA Claire Sugden has expressed serious concern that potentially dangerous construction materials have been discovered at the Coleraine campus of the University of Ulster.

Following an investigation by an independent engineering consultancy firm, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found in the rooves of seven buildings on the campus. It is part of a wide investigation into schools and other buildings that may contain the material, which is deemed dangerous.

She said: “Despite the university saying there is no current risk to staff, students or visitors, the news is clearly shocking – both because of the potential future danger, but also the cost involved in repairing the buildings that could reportedly run into many millions, and the disruption caused.

“Whether the money to fix it will come from Westminster or whether the university – or the Department for the Economy (DfE), which is responsible for higher education in Northern Ireland – will be forced to find the money amid a significant drop in its budget, is unclear. But what is clear is that the money will have to be found somewhere.

“Concern has been raised locally, and across Northern Ireland, because, despite it being the only location where RAAC has been found, it suggests it may be present at other significant sites.

“I have written to both the permanent secretary of the DfE and the vice-chancellor of the University of Ulster seeking answers on the next steps that must be taken, the risks involved, the potential discovery of more RAAC – which has currently only been found in rooves, but may also have been used in floors and walls – and the financial responsibility of completing the work.

“While there is reportedly no danger now, it is clear that the work will need to be done. More work and more investigation is clearly needed, but while Stormont remains absent, delays are inevitable.

“We need to fully understand the extent of the presence of RAAC and the costs involved. This needs to be done as soon as possible.”