Substantial number of schools remain closed due to hazardous weather conditions

Many Irish schools have been closed due to the snow

A Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning has been issued for the entire country with counties Limerick, Kerry, and Cork experiencing heavy snowfall.

Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, and Wicklow have also been affected by the severe wintery conditions.

Schools in Carlow and Kilkenny have closed due to the disruptive weather with Minister Norma Foley saying school closures are expected during this type of weather event.

She told RTÉ's Morning Ireland: "It’s not a uniform experience of these adverse weather conditions so therefore the decisions are being taken on the ground."

She stressed that schools will decide to close on an individual basis.

Foley added: "The view is that where it is feasible for schools to do that, schools will do that. But I am mindful that schools have competing demands."

The Department of Education anticipates that most schools will open as normal. Still, it acknowledges that those in affected areas may take a decision to close due to local conditions and safety concerns.

Met Éireann has confirmed that a Status Yellow nationwide warning will remain in place until Friday, January 10th.

The public has been warned to expect hazardous travelling conditions on roads and underfoot. They have also been warned of travel disruptions.

The public should stay updated by checking warnings website and local advice.

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