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12/01/2010
Many Schools Remain Closed Despite Thaw
Hundreds of primary and second-level schools are still closed today despite the majority reopening this morning as the cold snap eases.
Reports this morning say the majority of schools in the greater Dublin area have reopened. However, many schools in Munster will stay closed until tomorrow at the earliest as roads and footpaths remain treacherous.
The midlands and the northwest are also experiencing difficulties.
Yeserday, the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD, rejected a Fine Gael assertion that he was forced into a "humiliating climbdown" over the closure of schools, accusing the opposition party's education spokesman of "disingenuous populism".
Minister O'Keeffe said: "Let me make it very simple for Brian Hayes - the heavy snowfall forecast on Friday by Met Éireann has not materialised and temperatures are unexpectedly rising so it makes since to review the decision now and allow schools to reopen tomorrow.
"Now, in light of the changed forecast, I have reviewed my decision. That was the prudent and responsible course of action. Deputy Hayes likes to jump on the populist bandwagon now but when decisive calls were needed last week he was nowhere to be seen.
This morning the Irish National Teachers' Organisation urged parents to exercise caution on the way to school. It said parents should not worry if a careful journey means children arrive later than usual.
Second-level schools in some areas remain concerned about the condition of schoolyards. In some cases there is still a layer of ice under the slush.
(DW/GK)
Reports this morning say the majority of schools in the greater Dublin area have reopened. However, many schools in Munster will stay closed until tomorrow at the earliest as roads and footpaths remain treacherous.
The midlands and the northwest are also experiencing difficulties.
Yeserday, the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD, rejected a Fine Gael assertion that he was forced into a "humiliating climbdown" over the closure of schools, accusing the opposition party's education spokesman of "disingenuous populism".
Minister O'Keeffe said: "Let me make it very simple for Brian Hayes - the heavy snowfall forecast on Friday by Met Éireann has not materialised and temperatures are unexpectedly rising so it makes since to review the decision now and allow schools to reopen tomorrow.
"Now, in light of the changed forecast, I have reviewed my decision. That was the prudent and responsible course of action. Deputy Hayes likes to jump on the populist bandwagon now but when decisive calls were needed last week he was nowhere to be seen.
This morning the Irish National Teachers' Organisation urged parents to exercise caution on the way to school. It said parents should not worry if a careful journey means children arrive later than usual.
Second-level schools in some areas remain concerned about the condition of schoolyards. In some cases there is still a layer of ice under the slush.
(DW/GK)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
