Will schools re-open on Monday? Concerns raised amid Met Éireann snow warnings

It is a possibility that schools in some counties may not re-open as scheduled on Monday, January 6, as Met Éireann have issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for six counties. 

The warning comes into effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary from 5pm tomorrow until 5pm on Sunday, with Met Éireann predicting that there may be significant volumes of snow in some areas.

Also placed under a Status Yellow warning was Cork and Kerry, due to the possibility of heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow. The warning will come into effect at 1pm tomorrow until 5pm on Sunday. 

At present, the UK Met Office has placed Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Derry under a Status Yellow ice warning until 10am tomorrow morning. 

Due to the severity of these warnings, questions have been raised by parents across the nation as to whether the schools are set to re-open after Christmas break as planned, this coming Monday. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said, "Met Éireann is providing detailed weather reports across the weekend. The Department of Education, along with other Government departments, is carefully monitoring developments with the weather and engaging with key stakeholders."

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"A decision on whether to remain closed or to delay school reopening times is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country in light of local weather conditions, taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies.  

"Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, relevant authorities," they concluded. 

The department advised those concerned to check out the ‘Be Winter Ready’ website, which includes advice for schools on dealing with issues related to weather conditions, including colour-coded warnings, health and safety, as well as direct links to relevant circulars.

Also commenting on the matter was the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

A spokesperson said, "Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions, and it is a matter for each individual institution to decide on the appropriate weather-related measures to take having regard to the safety and wellbeing of those on campus, the weather conditions in the area, the availability of public transport and any other criteria they see fit.