Schools in at risk areas ‘to stay closed’ as Hurricane Ophelia approaches

The Department of Education has said schools in the red weather warning areas "are to act on advice and remain closed tomorrow" as Hurricane Ophelia approaches.

Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton TD took to social media to issue the statement following a special meeting of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. He said that schools in the areas affected by Met Eireann's status red wind alert, including Galway, Mayo, Cork, Kerry and Clare, were being advised to remain shut on Monday. He explained:

"The Department of Education and Skills is now informing all schools in areas affected by Met Eireann's status red wind alert that they are to act on the Department's advice and remain closed tomorrow, Monday 16 October. "For parents, this means that their children will not attend school tomorrow in any area where there is a status red wind alert already announced or announced. "Schools in areas affected by a status orange alert should remain vigilant, and keep themselves appraised of hourly and any other updates from Met Eireann and from their local authorities, local radio, and An Garda Síochana. "In all events, and if in any doubt, schools should err on the side of caution."

https://twitter.com/RichardbrutonTD/status/919559957049159680 https://twitter.com/RichardbrutonTD/status/919560232409411584 https://twitter.com/RichardbrutonTD/status/919560644445261824 https://twitter.com/RichardbrutonTD/status/919560901887430657 https://twitter.com/RichardbrutonTD/status/919561415157002240 It comes as a status red wind warning has been put in place for Galway, Mayo, Cork, Kerry and Clare, with the official warning stating that:

"Hurricane Ophelia is expected to transition to a post tropical storm as it approaches our shores on Monday bringing severe winds and stormy conditions. "Mean wind speeds in excess of 80 km/h and gusts in excess of 130 km/h are expected, potentially causing structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding."

A status orange wind warning has also been put in place for the rest of the country, and both the red and orange warning statuses are in place from 9am on Monday to 3am on Tuesday.