Primary and secondary schools across the country are due to reopen tomorrow, Monday, following the Christmas and New Year break. However, with parts of the country waking up to a blanket of snow today and days of icy cold weather ahead,  it is expected that a small number of schools may have to remain closed tomorrow.

According to the Office of Emergency Planning, schools should conduct a pre-event evaluation of what should be, or could be, in place to ensure its opening in the event of severe weather. Each school’s management board will have the final say on closures, with treacherous walkways and icy roads often leading to closures. The Irish National Teachers Organisation say classrooms must be at least 16C by 10am or within an hour of the school gates opening. The ongoing freezing temperatures may in some instances, lead to burst pipes which could also result in a number of schools being forced to close,

In considering whether to open their schools, School Management Boards will also individually consider the ability of parents, students, staff and school transport services to safely negotiate local road conditions to reach the school.

The Department of Education held a meeting with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann this morning. Most schools are expected to open, though a spokesperson for the Department some in areas "affected by severe weather" may close.

Decisions to reopen will be made by schools based on local weather conditions and safety concerns. Schools have a range of communication services available to them, including texts and emails, to notify parents about any delays to schools re-opening and parents should keep an eye out for school communications and/or check school websites for announcements this evening.

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