Carlow primary school closes after threatening email sent to schools across county

A Carlow primary school has closed after receiving a threatening email, with Gardaí investigating similar reports across the county. Picture: PA

A primary school in Carlow town has been advised not to open by gardaí on Wedneday following the receipt of a threatening email.

It is understood several other schools across the county also received similar emails, although the nature of the threat remains unclear. Some schools have decided to remain closed, while others have opened as normal.

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, an all-girls primary school on Green Lane in Carlow town, contacted parents and guardians at 8.19am to inform them the school would not open.

The message stated that “we, like some schools in the area, have received a threatening email this morning”.

The email added: “In the interests of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our school community, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál will remain closed today.

“The safety of our pupils and staff is always our absolute priority. We are working closely with the appropriate agencies and will keep you informed of any further updates as information becomes available.”

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes also issued notice to parents and guardians at 9am that they will remain closed following a similar email.

Parents and guardians have been advised to follow updates directly from their child’s school and to avoid sharing unverified information.

The correspondence received on Wednesday morning was understood to have come from an “unidentified” source. Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál has been contacted for comment.

Gardaí have received reports of the emails and are investigating.

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