The National Emergency Coordination Group are meeting this morning as freezing weather threatens to wreak havoc for a third day
Government departments, local authority chiefs and forecasters at Met Eireann will consider implementing an action plan for the duration of the cold snap
It comes as multiple weather warnings have been issued, including a Status Orange alert for the entire country.
READ MORE: Ireland braced for Sunday weather chaos as Met Eireann issues multiple warnings amid -10C snow blast
Met Eireann’s second highest warning for low temperatures and ice kicks in at 5pm Sunday and lasts until 12 noon Monday. It reads: “A severe frost and further icy stretches will set in on Sunday night, accompanied by patches of freezing fog. Temperatures likely to fall below -5C in many areas.”
Following the meeting, it was confirmed schools are to "remain open as normal".
FULL STORY: Ireland school closure update as emergency meeting held over severe weather conditions
The conditions in the school, the capacity of the school to ensure the health and safety of students, the ability to safely get to the school and guidance from response agencies all play into any decision made.
Classroom temperatures are also a factor. According to the Irish National Teachers Organisation, classrooms need to be heated to a minimum of 16C by 10am. If there is no heating on a cold day, classes would not go ahead.
Most schools have adequate heating systems, but if it breaks or pipes get frozen over the principal then will have to either arrange a different area to learn, or cancel classes.
If this happens after school has already started students who go home for lunch should be told not to return while children who don't have that option should be supervised and sent home when it's safe to do so.
If they can't guarantee heat the following day children should be told not to return until it's fixed.
In the majority of cases where schools close due to weather, it's more about safety getting to and from the class.
According to Winderready.ie, which is the quoted guideline in the Education Department 's Weather Document, these are the factors that need to be taken into account:
- If the pipes are frozen and heating above 16C can't be provided, then the school would not be deemed in a safe condition and classes should be cancelled.
- The capacity of the school to ensure the health and safety of students whilst in school This needs to be taken into account too - particularly regarding the grounds.
- If it's extremely icy around the grounds or there's a snow blanket it might not be safe for students who could slip and get injured - if this can't be dealt with then closure might have to be considered.
- The ability of parents, students, staff, and school transport services to safely negotiate local roads. This is the most common reason schools will decide to close. Garda advice is usually taken into account when making this decision and if travel isn't advised unless absolutely necessary then school's out for the day.
READ NEXT:
- Garda probe as two bodies found 30km apart in Meath including one wrapped in carpet
- The 'magic button' that defrosts car windows in seconds which some drivers had no idea existed
- Roy Keane stuns fans with England reference during World Cup quarter-final
- Mum's Strep A warning after six-year-old daughter left fighting for life after GP missed the symptoms
- Reduce window condensation ‘nightmare’ with €3 trick many ‘had no idea existed’
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
