The Department of Education have advised that schools and colleges across the country should close if they decide to deem a risk to safety in the wake of Storm Callum.
In an announcement made this afternoon, the Department advised schools to err on the side of caution as high winds are set to batter the country on Thursday night and into Friday.
Although the Department of Education did not issue a formal school closure notice, it is believed that they are monitoring the situation ahead of the incoming Storm.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the Department of Education said the following: “Schools and all education centres (universities, IoTs (Institutes of Technology) and further education centres) in areas affected by a status orange alert should remain vigilant, and keep themselves appraised of any hourly and other updates from Met Éireann, and from their local authorities, local radio, and an Garda Síochána.”
“In all events, and if in any doubt, schools should err on the side of caution.”
“Schools are empowered to make closure decisions if, in their judgment in the interests of child safety, it is prudent to do so.”
“Any and all decisions about school closures will be informed by, as well as prevailing and predicted conditions, any damage that might have been caused to school buildings overnight or at any time during the storm, and whether such damage, – where it exists, – might present a risk to child safety.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and will follow any advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group.”
The statement comes as an orange status weather warning was issued for 13 counties ahead of the storm.
Met Éireann say the warning will remain in place from 11pm on Thursday night until 5pm Friday evening.
It is expected that winds could reach up to 130kph as the powerful storm makes its way across the country tomorrow.