Schools may shut if storm sparks pupil safety fears

SCHOOLS are being told to close today if they are worried about student safety, as Storm Callum is expected to ravage the country.

While no blanket closure of schools will be in place, those in areas covered by the Orange weather warning are being told to use their own judgement to decide if it is safe for students and staff to attend.

The Department of Education has urged authorities across the country’s schools and colleges to ‘stay vigilant’ and check weather updates hourly. ‘If in any doubt, schools should err on the side of caution,’ the department said in a statement.

The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland said that in affected schools, teachers ‘will work to ensure that no student is disadvantaged by the unfortunate closure of schools this week’.

‘We would like to assure parents that this unfortunate disruption will have no adverse effect on their children’s’ education,’ it added.

An Orange weather warning has been in place for 13 counties since last night and remains valid in some areas until 5pm today.

Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cork, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry were all expected to experience high winds up to 130kph and heavy rain last night. Met Éireann warned that coasts in the south and west were at greatest risk of flooding.

Yesterday, the National Emergency Coordination Group met to assess the risk posed by Storm Callum and issued a statement confirming that preparations had been made in all counties, and that local authorities had been contacted to ensure the safety of rough sleepers.

Cold weather plans were implemented for those sleeping on the streets and extra beds are being provided.

Authorities from the coordination group are set to meet again this morning to review the situation.

Alone, the charity for the elderly, urged older people to take extra care to ensure they do not put themselves at risk of falls or injury.

It also called on members of the public to look out for their elderly relatives and neighbours as the storm sweeps over the country.