Hoax bomb threats issued to Laois schools

Schools across Laois and much of the country were sent hoax bomb threats this morning.

Gardaí confirmed an email was sent to a number of schools across Laois but none were evacuated as a result.

In Stradbally St Colmman’s National School issued a statement to parents and guardians after they received a threat.

“You may have seen reports in the national and local media regarding a number of hoax bomb threats made to schools across the country. Unfortunately, St Colman’s NS was among the schools that received one of these threats.

Please be assured that we immediately followed the appropriate procedures and contacted An Garda Síochána, who attended the school. Following their advice, and engagement with the Department of Education and our local Patron’s Office, we are treating this as a hoax. There was no requirement to evacuate the school and we have been advised that the school day should continue as normal,” Principal Bryan Lynch stated.

“We completely understand that hearing this news may be upsetting or concerning. The safety and wellbeing of our children and staff is always our priority. If any parent or guardian would feel more comfortable calling to the school to collect their child, you are very welcome to do so.

“Please be assured that we are following all appropriate advice and the school will remain open and operational as normal,” he concluded.

Gardaí issued a video offering advice following the increase in “non-credible bomb threats” which have been issued in recent days.

They asked: What should you do if you receive a bomb threat by email, letter or any other message?

Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary said people should immediately ring 999 on receiving a threat. They should give as much information as possible and the threat will be assessed by gardaí.

“You can be assured that every report is taken seriously and that An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a professional, proportionate and timely response.

Our priority is, and always will be, the safety of the public,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton issued a statement on the matter this morning.

“We are aware that a number of schools have received a threatening email this morning.

“I spoke with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, this morning and officials in my department have been in contact with An Garda Síochána at senior level regarding this incident and are continuing to liaise closely with them.

“The safety and wellbeing of students, staff and school communities remains our highest priority and my department will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána on this matter.

“An Garda Síochána have advised my department and are advising schools that they assess this threat as not credible and there is no need for schools to evacuate.

“If a school has received this email, it is asked to please contact the emergency services at 999 and follow the advice of An Garda Síochána.

“An Garda Síochána has received a large volume of phone calls and will liaise with each school in turn, noting that with the volume of calls this may take some time,” she concluded.