SCHOOLS ACROSS Clare have closed until lunch time on Tuesday after an apparent bomb threat was made.
On Tuesday schools received correspondence that “one of the most prolific attacks in Irish history” would be carried out.
Once An Garda Siochána became aware of the matter, they advised all schools in Shannon and Sixmilebridge to close until 12pm to allow them investigate the matter. They are currently investigating the credibility of the communication.
Schools in Ennis and Newmarket-on-Fergus have also closed with their correspondence to parents and guardians stating they have closed “because of circumstances outside our control”. Some schools in the county town have shut for the day.
A heavy Garda presence has been mounted in parts of the county in close proximity to both first-level and second-level schools.
One senior Garda confirmed to The Clare Echo an investigation is underway. “It’s an ongoing situation, contact has been made with the schools and they will be staying closed until 12pm”.
In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed they were “aware of a communication that has been sent to a number of educational establishments” on Tuesday.
“Gardaí are currently assessing the contents and credibility of that communication. Gardaí are engaging with the affected educational establishment with regard to this ongoing incident. Any senior management of these establishments with concerns are advised to make contact with Ennis Garda station. No further information is available at this time,” the spokesperson added.
Clare TD, Donna McGettigan (SF) stated, “It’s good to see schools taking the precautions that they did, hopefully this unfortunate incident does not happen again as it causes fear and anxiety among residents, pupils and staff”.
