Department reviewing protocols after emails threatening mass shootings or bombings of schools

Minister for education Hildegarde Naughton said: 'Officials in my department are reviewing the protocols in place to deal with incidents such as this and wider emergency planning measures as a whole.' Photo: Bairbre Holmes/PA

Education officials are reviewing the protocols for dealing with email threats following recent "frightening" incidents where sinister messages warned of mass shootings or bomb attacks at schools.

The Department of Education has sought the advice of An Garda Síochána on two separate occasions so far this year after schools across the country received threatening emails.

"I understand that this type of threat is concerning for school communities," said minister for education Hildegarde Naughton.

"Officials in my department are reviewing the protocols in place to deal with incidents such as this and wider emergency planning measures as a whole.

"We will continue to work with school authorities and stakeholders if, and when, these issues arise and appreciate schools’ assistance in co-operating with advice given in such circumstances."

On October 14, more than 150 schools across the country received a threatening email claiming that an explosive device had been planted on the premises.

The message arrived as students were at home while school staff joined the public sector pay strike.

Some schools delayed their reopening the following morning, as An Garda Síochána assessed the "contents and credibility" of the message sent to schools. A number of premises were also searched as a precaution.

On Monday, October 19, up to 300 schools across Northern Ireland received the same "generalised email" which included an anonymous threat of an explosive device planted in their school. The PSNI declared the incident a hoax.

In May, roughly 20 schools in Carlow received threatening emails just after 7am on a school morning, claiming there would be a mass shooting involving staff and children.

The messages caused panic, and some schools made the decision to close as a precaution. It followed a similar incident in Co Antrim the week prior, where email threats were sent to six schools.

In February 2025, an email threat was sent to several schools in Co Clare. It was later declared a hoax.

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In response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil TD Padraig O'Sullivan, Ms Naughton confirmed the department consulted with An Garda Síochána in both October and May.

"An Garda Síochána advised that any school that had received this email should ring 999 and report the threat to An Garda Síochána and co-operate fully with any Garda instructions," she said.

Mr O'Sullivan said the review of protocols should be completed promptly.

"It's frightening for principals, staff, parents, and kids," he said. "Boards of management shouldn't be left working it out on the day. They need clear guidance and proper back-up from the department and the Gardaí.”

• Jess Casey, education correspondent