The Department of Education says all schools will re-open on Wednesday following Storm Ophelia.

VTOS and Youthreach centres will also re-open and school transport will be back in operation.

However this is subject to any damages experienced at a local level.

The department adds that schools must ensure the safety of those in their care and give due consideration to this when making a decision to re-open.

It says any schools any non-State owned schools which require repairs should contact their Insurance providers before contacting the Department regarding emergency funding.

For State owned buildings, school authorities can apply for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme.

The schemes circular and application form are available on the department's website.

Education Minister Richard Bruton has thanked all those who co-operated fully with the safety measures over the past two days.

Earlier, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy defended the Government's decision to keep schools closed for a second day on Tuesday.

The cleanup from Ophelia is underway around the country, with local and national authorities assessing the damage.