School’s Out: Department of Education orders ALL schools to close tomorrow

The Department of Education has advised all schools to close tomorrow due to severe weather warnings. 

Met Éireann has issued a status red warning as ‘Hurricane Ophelia’ prepares to seriously disrupt our shores tomorrow, Monday 16th October. 

The Department of Education said their decision comes “following a special meeting of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning in response to Ophelia’s imminent arrival.”

All school bus services have been shelved by Bus Éireann, and multiple schools throughout the country have already announced their closure.

Galway, Cork, Mayo, Clare and Kerry will be the most impacted, with parents being issued early warnings. 

“Schools will make their own decisions on whether to open or remain closed, but School Transport Scheme services will not operate in – or into – areas affected by Status Red” said a Bus Éireann spokesperson. 

Minister Simon Coveney has urged people to take caution and not underestimate the unprecedented storm for Ireland. 

The last storm of its kind occurred in 1961 with ‘Hurricane Debbie’ claiming 15 lives. 

The current severe warning officially commences from nine o’clock tomorrow, and is expected to have passed by Tuesday. 

Stay safe. 

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