28th February 2018
The Department of Education & Skills has published a statement re school closures.
The statement states that, 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 in red alert areas will be closed tomorrow (Thursday 1 March) and on Friday.
In relation to Connaught and Ulster, the DES states that 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 (pdf).
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, the DES advises that 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 Departments Emergency Works Scheme.
The scheme circular and application form are available on the Department’s website
For phone queries the DES number to contact is (057) 932 5379/5414.