Multiple schools across Co Carlow were advised by gardaí not to open on Wednesday after receiving emails that threatened a mass shooting involving staff and children.
It is understood that up to 16 primary schools received two separate emails, both of which were threatening in nature. At least 11 schools closed for the day follow Garda advice on the matter.
Several other schools around the county, it is understood, also received similar emails. Some stayed closed while others opened.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, an all-girls primary school in Carlow town, contacted parents and guardians at 8.19am on Wednesday to alert them the premises would not be opening.
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The message sent out by the school said “we, like some schools in the area, have received a threatening email this morning”.
It continued: “In the interests of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our school community, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál will remain closed today.”
Parents and guardians were advised to follow updates directly from their own school and avoid sharing unverified information.
An investigation team has been established at Carlow Garda station and lines of communication have been opened at a senior level with the Department of Education.
Supt Anthony Farrell said: “A process is under way to establish the identity of sender and credibility of message. There was no advance warning of this email.”
He has asked all school management across Co Carlow to undertake a “cursory search of your building and grounds”.
“There is a possibility this email will be followed up by a ransomware attack – I ask that you do not click any links in any follow-up email. Advise Carlow Garda station instead." He said targeted patrols were being carried out.
Among the schools that decided to close were: Scoil Mhuire gan Smál; the Church of Ireland Primary School; St Laserians special school; Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, Tullow; St Fiacc’s NS; Ballyconnell NS; Rathvilly NS; Scoil Molaise, Old Leighlin; Askea NS, Rathmore NS; Drumphea NS; and St Columba’s NS.
Students were either told not to come in or were to be sent home by 11am.
Fergal Browne, local Fine Gael councillor and principal of St Joseph’s National School, said the email came from an unknown Gmail account. He confirmed all schools were liaising with gardaí.
“There is an increased garda presence around the town. A generic email came around. God knows where it came from. The email detailed that there would be mass shooting in the schools,” said Browne.
He said he was keeping St Joseph’s open after speaking with gardaí.
“Unfortunately these things do happen,” he told KCLRFM. “It’s an outrageous thing to happen. All schools have tightened up on this in recent years. We have to be vigilant but not under- or over-react. Garda advice is sacrosanct.
He said once this scare settles down, safety in schools has to be looked at again.
It is understood no secondary schools have received the emails.
