Galway schools to remain closed tomorrow

THE Department of Education has instructed schools in Galway to remain closed tomorrow Wednesday.

In a statement this evening it says:

"The Department is advising that all schools that are currently or forecast to be in a Red or Orange alert area should remain closed tomorrow, 8th December. This will allow for assessment of the impact of Storm Barra to take place.

This includes counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Wexford.

Schools that are no longer in a Red or Orange Alert area can reopen, provided that, if there are concerns, school managers have had an opportunity to check for fallen wires and other serious damage in the vicinity of school buildings. If an individual school (in a yellow area) is still experiencing a particular local issue relating to the storm the Board of Management can make a decision to remain closed for tomorrow.

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."

Apart from high winds and heavy downpours early this morning, the initial arrival of Storm Barra passed without major incident in Galway. However, in the past hour wind speeds have increased and are forecast to increase further overnight and into the early hours of the morning with heavy rain also forecast.

Galway County Council crews are on standby to respond to issues as they arise and members of the public wishing to report any fallen trees or other matters of concern can contact 091-509069.