Thousands without water, power as severe weather forces school closures in Ireland

LONDON

Severe weather conditions continue to wreak havoc across Ireland, leaving more than 17,000 homes and businesses without electricity and 30,000 without water.

According to local media reports on Tuesday, schools and childcare facilities in affected areas remain closed, with further disruptions expected as a new Met Eireann (the Irish Meteorological Service) status yellow warning for snow and ice comes into effect at midday, lasting for 24 hours.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group convened on Monday to address the ongoing crisis, cautioning that hazardous travel conditions are likely to persist throughout much of the week.

The warning comes after heavy snow and freezing temperatures have left roads treacherous and essential services disrupted.

The Department of Education is monitoring conditions closely, with schools and childcare facilities in Kilkenny, Cork, Tipperary, and Wicklow among those forced to close on Tuesday.

Additional closures are being decided on an individual basis as the situation evolves.

Efforts are underway to restore electricity to the 17,000 affected customers, but icy conditions are hampering progress.

Meanwhile, water outages affecting 30,000 households and businesses have added to the challenges faced by communities already grappling with severe cold.

Met Eireann’s status yellow warning highlights the risk of further snow and ice, urging caution for both drivers and pedestrians.

The advisory emphasizes that travel will remain dangerous in many areas, and the public is encouraged to avoid unnecessary journeys.