Gardaí investigate credibility of threatening email sent to Laois school
Graiguecullen school was one of twenty to receive threatening email
Twenty primary schools in the Carlow area received a threatening email on Wednesday morning, just after 7am.
One of these schools was St Fiacc’s NS in Graiguecullen, located on the Laois / Carlow border.
Despite the email, the school chose to remain open and follow Garda advice.
As a result of these emails being sent, a Garda investigation team was established in Carlow Garda Station.
“Members of An Garda Síochána have been in touch with all affected schools during the course of the day,” a representative said.
The threatening email is believed to have been routed through another country and the credibility of the message is still being investigated. There was no advance warning.
“Lines of communication have been opened at a senior level with the Department of Education and Youth,” the garda spokesperson stated.
While some schools have made the decision to close, reopening is a matter for each school Board of Management.
“An Garda Síochána will continue to support schools and provide guidance. High visibility patrols have been in place throughout the day and indeed for coming days in the environs of all forty-two (42) primary schools in Co. Carlow,” they said.
School principal John Brennan spoke with the Leinster Express / Laois Live after receiving the email.
“The matter was immediately referred to An Garda Siochana who advised the school to remain open but to exercise vigilance,” Mr Brennan said.
“Our parents were informed of the email and given the option to collect their children if they had concerns. Many children were collected. We will continue to monitor the situation in consultation with Carlow Garda,” the principal finished.