TWO schools in Co Galway will remain closed today after over 1,300 pupils were evacuated from the premises following a “major fire incident” at a nearby factory.
It comes as some schools across Ireland remain closed for a sixth day in a row today after record-breaking Storm Eowyn.
The wicked weather destroyed power lines, left properties without water and pulled down trees that left some educational facilities with structural damage.
A briefing provided to ministers said schools that were closed due to power outages will be back up and running in time to reopen on Monday.
In Galway, Colaiste Bhaile Chláir and Educate Together Primary School remain closed as a battery fire incident in Claregalway Corporate Park enters its third day.
The fire broke out at the facility at around 7:15am on Wednesday, with no injuries reported at the time.
Today, a container is being monitored for lithium contamination, after the blaze at the Xerotech battery company on Wednesday morning.
The fire has been contained but concerns remain over keeping the batteries cooled to prevent them from reigniting.
Galway County Council declared the scene as a “major fire incident” yesterday and said the evacuation of the two nearby schools and some nearby premises was taken as a “precautionary measure”.
Gardai yesterday assisted in the evacuation of the schools and neighbouring businesses, with parents urged to pick their children up from the evacuation points.
Pupils from Colaiste Bhaile Chlair were transported by bus to Claregalway GAA Club at Knockdoemore and pupils from Claregalway Educate Together were evacuated to the church in Claregalway.
It is understood that some 1,300 students were evacuated from their classrooms at Colaiste Bhaile Chlair.
And it has been reported that both schools remain closed this morning following the incident.
It’s understood that units of the Defence Forces ordinance core have been at the scene alongside a number of units of the fire service, Gardai and members of the Civil Defence.
Galway County Council said: “Parents and guardians are advised not to go to the schools, as access is restricted.
“Galway County Council urges the public to follow official guidance and avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work.”
Xerotech is a battery technology company that makes batteries for industrial electrical vehicles.
It is understood that air quality testing will take place to determine if businesses can return to the corporate park later today.
It comes after another school was evacuated in a separate incident that took place in Co Cork on Wednesday morning.
An electric cable is suspected to have caught on fire at Glasheen Boy’s National School, located on School Avenue, shortly after 8:30am.
No injuries were reported.
It is understood that staff at the primary school extinguished the minor blaze with a fire extinguisher.
Cork City Fire Brigade were alerted to the blaze and attended the scene within six minutes.
The school, which shares a campus with Glasheen Girls’ School, is located in Cork city centre.
Cork City Council confirmed in a statement that three pumps, a hydraulic platform and a senior officer from the Cork City Fire Brigade mobilised and were on the scene for one hour.
A “WONDERFUL” three-bed home that’s an hour from Dublin has just hit the market for €200k – and it’s in a major seaside town.
This stunning property is located in Blackrock, Co Louth.
This detached home is a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house that has been kept in fantastic condition by its current owners.
And it is currently available for viewings.
The house listing reads: “What a gem of a home! 21 Clooneevan has so much to say for itself: The location is fantastic – it’s beside Blackrock (which has full array of services and amenities), convenient to schools and Geraldines, close to Dundalk and the motorway, and is within a quiet, well regarded neighbourhood.
“Fantastic first-time buyer (FTB) downsizer or investment property.”
It includes a substantial modern kitchen with access to the rear garden and is perfect for first-time buyers.
This stunning kitchen has timber flooring and is fully-fitted with wooden cabinets, an oven, and a dishwasher.
Double-glazed windows located around the kitchen and dining area allow plenty of natural light to enter the house.
The family home is in an excellent location, with cafes, restaurants, public transport and a host of other amenities nearby.
Along with being located right beside Blackrock beach, Drogheda town and Dublin are each within an hour’s drive from this fabulous property.
The area also includes a choice of primary and secondary schools, perfect for families.
Located in a sought after residential area, the family home extends to 83 square metres and has a spacious private back garden.
When entering the home, viewers are greeted by a fabulous hallway with wooden flooring.
A spacious living room is situated at the front of the home, and it features a fireplace with a marble surround along with lots of storage space and wooden flooring.
This comfortable area is filled with natural light and space, creating a cosy atmosphere.
There is one bathroom in this family home; and it is fully tiled and includes a wash hand basin, an electric shower, and a toilet.
Moving upstairs, there is a spacious and modern landing with wooden flooring.
On the property’s first floor there are three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with wooden flooring, natural light and plenty of storage space.
The second bedroom is spacious and features views overlooking the garden, along with wooden flooring and wardrobes, and could fit a king-size bed.
The third bedroom is a modern single room that features plenty of storage space and natural light.
Another major bonus to buying this home is the back garden.
Along with featuring a storage shed, it comes with ample amounts of space and greenery.
The property is listed by Michael Lavelle Estate Agents and on daft.ie.
На тлі масових антиурядових протестів словацька поліція заявила про намір депортувати громадянина України через нібито загрозу державного перевороту. Про це пише видання Dennik N із посиланням на президент поліції Яну Машкарову. “Наразі одна особа перебуває у відділенні прикордонної іноземної поліції, де здійснюється адміністративне видворення”, – заявила Машкарова і запевнила, що депортація має відбутися “якнайшвидше”. […]
