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All schools to stay shut on Tuesday

Updated: 17.00 All schools are to remain closed on Tuesday as the country deals with Storm Opheli...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.49 16 Oct 2017


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All schools to stay shut on Tu...

All schools to stay shut on Tuesday

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.49 16 Oct 2017


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Updated: 17.00

All schools are to remain closed on Tuesday as the country deals with Storm Ophelia.

Education Minister Richard Bruton says the decision was made "following careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group".

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"This decision was primarily taken in the interests of child safety and on the basis of information available in what is a developing situation.

"While it is recognised that some schools may not be as badly impacted as others, the information available at this time indicates that over 350,000 businesses and homes already without power, severe winds continue to cause damage across the country as the storm progresses.

"It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open.

"It is recognised that the decision to close schools will have a major impact on families and on the workforce. However, this decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned".

For 3rd level institutions, the minister says it is up to the individual institutions to decide whether to open.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;We&#39;ve taken the decision that all schools should remain closed tomorrow.&quot;<br>—Minister for Education and Skills <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardbrutonTD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichardbrutonTD</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ophelia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ophelia</a> <a href="https://t.co/276rFvXsMx">pic.twitter.com/276rFvXsMx</a></p>&mdash; Fine Gael (@FineGael) <a href="https://twitter.com/FineGael/status/919951857254064128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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It was announced on Sunday that all schools and colleges would close Monday in preparation for the storm.


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