THE Department of Education is advising that schools in county Clare stay closed on Friday February 18 due to the Status Red wind warning.

The department stated that remote teaching and learning should commence where possible, in line with schools’ remote teaching and learning plans.

It also advised schools to keep up to date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.

Also, due to the weather warning all Bus Éireann services in County Clare will be suspended on Friday morning, February 18, between 1am until 10am.

This suspension will also apply to all routes operating into or out of the status red warning area.

Due to the extreme nature of Storm Eunice and the threat of multi-hazard weather events as confirmed by Met Éireann, the Department of Education is advising that schools in counties where Status Red wind warnings are in place and in counties where Status Orange snow warnings are in place should not open tomorrow, February 18.

Therefore school transport services will not operate in County Clare tomorrow either.

A spokesperson said, “This decision is taken in the interests of our customers and employees, following careful consideration of the advice of agencies coordinating a response to Storm Eunice.”

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will endeavour to recommence services earlier should the red weather warning be lifted earlier than expected. We will be advising customers of any further updates on www.buseireann.ie and on our social media channels and local and regional media will receive any updates.”