Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
246. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is advice or assistance for schools on clearing snow following extreme weather events such as storm Emma; if there are guidelines for schools to link in with local authorities to clear snow after extreme weather events; his plans to introduce such guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12420/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills issued a reminder to all schools about the Department’s guidelines in the event of severe weather, contained on the Department’s web site and in the “Be Winter Ready” booklet.
As part of the Government’s “Be Winter Ready” campaign, the DES advise schools to conduct “a pre-event evaluation of what should be, or could be, in place to ensure the opening of the school in the event of severe weather. Areas for consideration are maintenance of school premises and utilities, salting and gritting and transport to and from school”. They also advise that “Schools should ensure to have the relevant contact details of the principal response agencies for their area, including An Garda Síochána, fire brigade and local authorities and other appropriate services. Schools should also have contact details for the transport services serving their school. These details should be checked regularly and kept up-to-date”.
See https://www.winterready.ie/en/guides/schools-and-severe-weather
