School advised to close tomorrow due to Storm Barra

SCHOOLS on the advice of the Department of Education are being advised this evening to close tomorrow (Tuesday, December 7) due to the significant nature of Storm Barra.

Already school principals in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan and Ballyfermot have sent messages out to parents in the last couple of hours saying they will not open following the departments advice.

Parents are advised to keep in touch with local schools over the next couple of hours to see what decision they make.

A statement issued by the Department of Education this evening said: “A Red Alert has now been issued by Met Éireann relating to severe wind for counties Clare, Kerry and Cork.

“A status orange warning has been issued for counties Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Dublin, Louth, Wicklow, Meath.

“Met Éireann has advised that there is a strong possibility that the status of parts of these counties currently in status orange are likely to change and escalate to status red.

“Due to the significant nature of Storm Barra, as forecast by Met Éireann and to give sufficient notice to schools and parents/guardians, the department is advising that all schools covered by the Red Alert and Orange warning from Met Éireann should not open tomorrow, 7 December.

“All schools should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.”

Meanwhile, South Dublin County Council said this evening: “South Dublin County Council staff attended a briefing by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management on Sunday afternoon the 5th and Monday the 6th . Met Éireann and the OPW outlined the potential impacts of Storm Barra.

“South Dublin County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met this morning (Monday) to review preparations for the anticipated high winds and rain of Storm Barra.

“The SWAT meeting brings together key staff from across the Council to co-ordinate works that need to be done before, during and after the storm event. Representative from Roads, Public Realm, Drainage, Community & Housing and the Communication Section attend the SWAT meeting.”

Gardai are also advising that all unnecessary travel should be avoided where Red and Orange wind warnings are in place as driving conditions will be hazardous. Pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, flying debris and flooded roads.

SDCC Operational crews will be on alert for any issues arising during the storm and will be active in the clean-up operations following the event.

If anyone has information in relation to storm damage or flooding contact South Dublin County Council on 01 4149000.