Parents on alert as schools delay opening due to freezing conditions

With temperatures expected to plunge to as low as -8 degrees overnight schools are notifying parents about delayed openings in the morning (Wednesday 8th January).

A number of primary schools across the county have have already informed parents that they will not now open until 11am tomorrow, with others waiting until morning to assess conditions..

The Meath Chronicle is not sharing the names of schools closing as we have don't have a definitive list of schools or bus operators affected, and want to avoid confusion. Schools will be in contact with parents directly.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is conscious that uncertainty about schools opening during the cold weather is a significant concern to parents, but that everything that can be done, is being done.

Mr Harris said the significant geographical variations between regions, and even within counties, mean that decisions are being made locally.

"I do appreciate that that's a significant burden on principals, on teachers and boards of management, and it's also a significant concern for parents, of course, who are trying to plan their own lives and having their children cared for and indeed going to work themselves.

"So, I'm conscious of this, but I do believe everything that can be done is being done."

Mr Harris was speaking at the official opening of a special school in Naas, Co Kildare.

Dangerous travelling conditions on roads and underfoot are expected, after the first Status Orange warning came into effect at 8pm this evening.

It lasts until 10am tomorrow for counties Meath, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, and Monaghan, as well as all of Munster and Connacht.

A second Status Orange Warning for low temperatures and ice will be in effect from 8pm tomorrow until 11am on Thursday for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster and Connacht. The third - for all counties except for Donegal - will be in effect from 6pm on Wednesday until 11am on Thursday.

An Garda Siochana Meath has urged people to check in on older people in their communities during this cold snap. The social media post added that they will be on hand to assist anyone in difficulty.