Several schools in Carlow remain shut after receiving threatening email

Sarah Slater

A primary school in Carlow town has been advised not to open by gardaí today, Wednesday, due to a threatening email.

Several other schools around the county, it is understood, have also received similar emails, the nature of which is yet unclear.

Some of the schools have decided to stay closed, while others have opened.

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, an all-girls primary school located on Green Lane in the town, contacted all parents and guardians who hae pupils attending the school at 8.19am to alert them that the premises would not be opening.

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes also issued a notice to parents and guardians at 9am, saying they are also to remain closed following a similar email.

The message from Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál said that “we like some schools in the area, have received a threatening email this morning”.

The email contained: “In the interests of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our school community, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál will remain closed today.

“The safety of our pupils and staff is always our absolute priority. We are working closely with the appropriate agencies and will keep you informed of any further updates as information becomes available.”

Parents and guardians are being advised to follow updates directly from their own school and avoid sharing unverified information.

The correspondence on Wednesday morning is from an “unidentified” source.

Scoil Mhuire gan Smál has been contacted for comment.

Gardaí have received reports and are investigating.

More to follow.