Schools to Remain Closed Tomorrow – Tuesday 17 October 2017

 

Following careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group, the Department of Education and Skills, has decided that all schools will remain closed tomorrow.

This decision was primarily taken in the interests of child safety and on the basis of information available in what is a developing situation.  

While it is recognised that some schools may not be as badly impacted as others, the information available at this time indicates that 350,000 businesses and homes are already without power, and severe winds continue to cause damage across the country as the storm progresses.

Many regional and local roads are closed due to fallen trees.

 It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open.

It is recognised that the decision to close schools will have a major impact on families and on the workforce.

However, this decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned.  

WEATHER UPDATE

Severe Weather Warning Level: Red

The following Warning has been issued by Met Éireann at 16:00 hours Monday, 16-Oct-2017

For Ireland

Latest Update
Storm Ophelia (Ex hurricane), situated over county Galway at 1500 today, is continuing to track northeastwards. It will bring further violent and destructive winds for a time, with gusts of 120 and 150 km/h. Some flooding expected also, due to heavy thundery downpours and storm surges in coastal areas. There is a danger to life and property.

Winds will gradually abate from the south through this evening and tonight.

Valid from 16:00 hours Mon, 16-Oct-2017 Valid until 01:00 hours Tue, 17-Oct-2017