SCHOOL closures Ireland

As the snow continues to fall in Ireland, many schools have been forced to close. This has caused disruption for parents and students alike, but the safety of the children is paramount.

The Minister for Education, Norma Foley, has said that the decision to close a school is made on a case-by-case basis. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make decisions based on the best available information," she said.

The following counties have been affected by school closures:

• Carlow
• Laois
• Kilkenny
• Wicklow
• Tipperary
• Clare
• Galway
• Mayo

Parents are advised to check with their school to see if it is open. They can also find information on the Department of Education's website.

The snow is expected to continue to fall for the next few days, so it is likely that more schools will be forced to close. Parents are advised to be prepared for this and to make alternative arrangements for childcare if necessary.

The safety of the children is the most important thing, so parents are urged to be patient and understanding during this time.

We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.