Schools, childcare settings and third-level institutions across Ireland are making preparations to close on Friday due to the Storm Éowyn red wind warning.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) confirmed that all education settings in areas affected by red level warnings will close for the duration of the alert. Red weather warnings will come into effect in the early hours of Friday morning, with Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford affected from 2am, and will last until early afternoon in the northwest of the country.
Paul Crone, director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, said education institutions look set to close for the full day on Friday due to uncertainty over potential damage, electricity supply and access to transport.
“The official guidance is clear: schools must close for the duration of the red warning, so school leaders are making preparations to close for the full day Friday in all the areas affected,” he said.
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“The only small ambiguity is in Cork and Kerry, where the warnings will be lifted earlier. However, it is very unlikely schools will open there either. Principals and caretakers will need to get to the schools after 10am to assess any damage, the road conditions and electricity supply. School buses will not be running, so it is very unlikely they will be in a position to open.”
A status red weather warning means “shelter in place” and people in the areas affected are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
In a statement, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group confirmed that all primary and post-primary schools, early learning and childcare settings as well as further and higher education institutions in red warning areas will close for the duration of the warning.
Schools buses and public transport do not operate during a red warning and transport operators will make an assessment on when services can resume once the warning has lifted.
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