Several schools in Co Clare closed as gardaí investigate threatening email

The Journal has confirmed that a number of schools in Clare have closed as a precaution issuing text messages to parents this morning.

GARDAÍ HAVE SAID they are assessing an email sent to schools in Clare which claims that there will be an attack on schools. 

Early this morning an email circulated claiming to be from a named teenager in which there was a threat to carry out a number of shootings at schools in locations in Co Clare. 

The Journal has confirmed that a number of schools in Clare have closed as a precaution, issuing text messages to parents this morning. 

The email contained details of a named individual in County Clare. 

Gardaí said they are assessing the situation – sources said that gardaí have gone to the house named in the email which is located in a village on the Limerick and Clare border.

A garda spokesman said they are investigating the email at present and are assessing the threat. 

“Following initial assessment, An Garda Síochána is satisfied that the security threat is not credible and there is no ongoing risk to the public.

“Gardaí are engaging with the affected educational establishments with regard to this incident. Enquiries are ongoing. No further information is available at this time,” he said. 

Advertisement

Earlier this morning Gardaí said that they were engaging with the “affected educational establishment with regard to this ongoing incident”.

“Any senior management of these establishments with concerns are advised to make contact with Ennis Garda station,” he said. 

It is understood that the Department of Education is aware of the situation at present and is liaising with schools. 

Local TD Cathal Crowe spoke of people’s shock in the area about the incident. 

“Overnight, a shocking threat was made against schools in different parts of our county.

“Gardai acted swifty on this “threat” and have now confirmed to me that there is no active threat.

“This was a very scary incident for parents, students, school staff and the general public and I have full confidence in Clare’s Gardai to properly investigate this and establish all the facts,” he said.