Press release
Statement from the Department of Education and Skills on Storm Emma
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Status red has now been issued for all counties with immediate effect. All schools, third level institutions and colleges of further education will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Given the disruption to transport and the safety risks arising, most particularly in relation to the ability to get home safely before blizzard like conditions hit Munster and Leinster, all schools, third level institutions, colleges and centres of further education in red areas will be closed tomorrow and Friday.
In relation to Connaught and Ulster decisions on school closures will be made individually depending on the circumstances in their area. The situation in Connaught and Ulster will be kept under review.
The department’s guidance for schools in relation to making up for time lost due to unforeseen closures is set out in Circular 0009/2017.
As outlined in the circular, significant flexibility is given to schools to make up tuition hours lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
For schools which will require repairs, any non-State owned schools should in the first instance contact their Insurance Providers before contacting the department regarding emergency funding, for any State-owned buildings school authorities are free to apply for funding under the department's Emergency Works Scheme.
The schemes circular and application form are available on the Department's website at: https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Building-Works/Emergency-Works/Emergency-Works.html.
For phone queries the number to contact is (057) 932 5379/5414.