Menu
17/10/2017
All Schools And Colleges To Remain Closed
The Department of Education has confirmed that all schools and colleges are to remain closed on Tuesday, 16 October, due to Storm Ophelia.
The latest advice follows a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group at which all central, local and public sector organisations are represented.
Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary, said: "I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff."
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Karen Mullan said: "Although the weather is expected to have improved by then, there is a concern that power shortages and potential damage to buildings and transport networks could impact on accessibility and safety.
"In those circumstances it is sensible to be cautious and to take the decision as early as possible to allow parents to make necessary arrangements."
(CD/JP)
The latest advice follows a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group at which all central, local and public sector organisations are represented.
Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary, said: "I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff."
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Karen Mullan said: "Although the weather is expected to have improved by then, there is a concern that power shortages and potential damage to buildings and transport networks could impact on accessibility and safety.
"In those circumstances it is sensible to be cautious and to take the decision as early as possible to allow parents to make necessary arrangements."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2023
Sunak Slammed For Net-Zero U-Turn
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's u-turn on the action needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as "cynical opportunism dressed up as difficult decision making".
Sunak Slammed For Net-Zero U-Turn
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's u-turn on the action needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as "cynical opportunism dressed up as difficult decision making".
03 March 2023
Non-Opening Fixed Bridge 'Preferred Option' For Newry Ship Canal
A non-opening 50 metre fixed bridge has been selected as the preferred option for the Newry Ship Canal – which will form part of the Newry Southern Relief Road (NSRR) – by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Non-Opening Fixed Bridge 'Preferred Option' For Newry Ship Canal
A non-opening 50 metre fixed bridge has been selected as the preferred option for the Newry Ship Canal – which will form part of the Newry Southern Relief Road (NSRR) – by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
24 October 2018
Anger At Cuts To Sports Scheme For NI Primary Schools
A decision by the Department of Education to end the funding provided for sports coaching at over 400 Northern Ireland primary schools has been highly criticised, with SDLP sports spokesman Justin McNulty branding the move a result of the failed devolved government.
Anger At Cuts To Sports Scheme For NI Primary Schools
A decision by the Department of Education to end the funding provided for sports coaching at over 400 Northern Ireland primary schools has been highly criticised, with SDLP sports spokesman Justin McNulty branding the move a result of the failed devolved government.
11 May 2016
Call For Full Investigation To Be Carried Out Over Western Trust Underspend
The SDLP is calling for a full investigation to be carried out after figures revealed an underspend on learning disability in the Western Trust area. Foyle MLA, Mark H Durkan, said while the latest revelation was "shocking" it came as "no huge surprise". He said: "Answers are important but we're also demanding action be taken.
Call For Full Investigation To Be Carried Out Over Western Trust Underspend
The SDLP is calling for a full investigation to be carried out after figures revealed an underspend on learning disability in the Western Trust area. Foyle MLA, Mark H Durkan, said while the latest revelation was "shocking" it came as "no huge surprise". He said: "Answers are important but we're also demanding action be taken.
17 April 2002
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
