Storm Lorenzo: Department of Education issues statement about school closures

 

The Department of Education has issued a statement about school closures as Storm Lorenzo makes its way towards Ireland.

They have advised schools in orange warning areas to remain vigilant, and to err on the side of caution.

They stated;

“A status orange wind warning has been issued by Met Éireann for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick and will be in place from 6pm on Thursday to 3am on Friday morning.

“Schools and education centres (universities, IoTs and further education centres) in areas affected by status orange alert should remain vigilant, and keep themselves informed 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 and other education setting should err on the side of caution. Schools are empowered to make closure decisions, if, in their judgement in the interests of the safety of the school community, it is prudent to do so,” they continued.

“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 safety.

“Similarly other education settings should make closure decisions based on those considerations. We will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and will follow any advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group,” they concluded.

Earlier today, Met Éireann confirmed a status orange warning for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Winds are set to reach speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts of 100 to 130 km/h. Storm surges will produce coastal flooding and damage.

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