The second phase of assessments at schools built by Western Building Systems has been given the go ahead by the Department of Education.

They follow the programme of initial structural assessments carried out in October and November last year at 42 schools built by the firm.

The inspections were ordered amid structural concerns over a number of school buildings.

It resulted in precautionary measures being put in place at 22 schools as an interim response.

The next phase will focus on those schools, and involve detailed investigations to determine and design permanent remediation solutions.

The first investigations will take place at five schools - Presentation Convent NS Portarlington in Co Laois, Carrigaline ETNS in Co Cork, Scoil Chaitlin Maude NS in Tallaght, Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada in Lucan, and St Paul’s NS in Ratoath in Co Meath.

They'll be examined during weekends to minimise any disruption to the schools themselves.

In a statement, the Department of Education said: "The investigations will inform the permanent works required in the schools. The delivery of these works will be planned when the extent of the work needed is established. 

"Works will be prioritised for delivery with the aim of maximising use of school holiday periods. Precautionary measures will remain in place at the schools until permanent solutions have been implemented."