Ophelia you salty dog, you just won't quit will you. As the storm continues to ravage the country leaving some 360,000 people without power and with trees being felled all over transport routes, the decision has been taken to keep all schools in the country closed tomorrow. So DCU, this does not apply to you as you are a college.
Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, tweeted that the decision had been taken to keep schools closed tomorrow.
Following careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group, the Department of Education and Skills, has decided that all schools will remain closed tomorrow #Ophelia
— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) October 16, 2017
Explaining the choice he went on to say that the decision was taken in light of the fact that significant damage had been done to many buildings, including schools, throughout the country and that there would not be enough time for principals and teachers to ensure that their schools were in fit condition to welcome students back tomorrow. Coupled with the the loss of power to many homes and businesses throughout the country and the fact that the storm is far from over, they felt it was best to delay the reopening of schools until Wednesday.
This decision was primarily taken in the interests of child safety and on the basis of information available in what is a developing situation #Ophelia
— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) October 16, 2017
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While it is recognised that some schools may not be as badly impacted as others, the information available at this time indicates that over 350,000 businesses & homes already without power, severe winds continue to cause damage across the country as the storm progresses. #Ophelia
— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) October 16, 2017
It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open #Ophelia
— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) October 16, 2017
It is recognised that the decision to close schools will have a major impact on families and on the workforce. However, this decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned #Ophelia
— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) October 16, 2017
There has yet to be an announcement for third level institutions and it seems that the decision on whether to reopen will be left to each individual college.
