Schools struggle with water shortages as pipes burst and leak

WATER shortages are the latest cause of concern for schools as local authorities around the country are struggling to restore and preserve supplies.

With freezing pipes, bursts and leaks in water mains being reported in most parts of the country, principals were trying to find out last night if they could expect to have enough water to allow pupils return to classes.

It is believed that more than half the country’s 4,000 primary and second level schools re-opened yesterday after Monday’s decision by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe to lift an order that they stay closed until Thursday. Parts of Cork’s northside were without water since Monday afternoon and some schools were keeping their fingers crossed they would be ready to re-open this morning.