Rolling class closures likely as schools report 'incredibly difficult' first day back

Teacher Aisha Heffernan with Cole Rixon and Oisín O’Dea at Scoil Clíodhna Community National School in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork.

School principals have revealed record low student attendances and severe staff shortages as the country reported its highest ever Covid-19 case numbers. 

Schools reopened yesterday after the Christmas break, with many principals reporting that 30% to 40% of children did not turn up for class.