While kids were off yesterday as a result of industrial action, some have seen this extended, with some schools closing today as a precautionary measure while Gardaí probe bomb threats. 

It is understood that while teachers picketed across the country yesterday, a number of schools were sent threatening emails. 

Now, Gardaí are investigating these threats, revealing that similar messages were received by several schools in Dublin, Kildare, Carlow, Cork and Donegal. 

Garda 2
Gardaí are investigating threatening emails sent to schools amid the strikes yesterday. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

In the wake of the threats, which are reported to have been bomb threats, a number of schools closed as a precautionary measure. 

For example, one school in Co. Laois announced it would remain closed today to allow for a ‘safety sweep of the building’ following yesterday’s incident. It will reopen on Friday. 

Another school in Co. Carlow has said it delayed opening its doors today until 10 am so safety checks could be carried out. 

It is understood that the majority of schools that received threats were operating as normal today, according to the Sun. 

public sector strike feat
It is understood that the majority of schools that received threats were operating as normal today, according to the Sun. 

This comes after a spokesperson for the Department of Education confirmed to Extra.ie yesterday, that it had consulted gardaí regarding threats received by schools. 

A spokesperson said: ‘The Department of Education and Youth was made aware today, Wednesday 14 October, that a number of schools received a threatening email.

‘The Department has consulted with An Garda Síochána regarding this matter. An Garda Síochána has advised that any school that has received this email should ring 999 and report the threat to An Garda Síochána and cooperate fully with any Garda instructions.

‘The department communicated this advice to schools and boards of management, management bodies, and unions.

‘On this basis, the department anticipates that Boards of Management will have regard to the advice from An Garda Síochána, and schools can continue to operate as normal unless otherwise advised by An Garda Síochána.’

Empty Classroom
The Department advised schools to ‘operate as normal’ unless advised otherwise by Gardaí. Pic: Shutterstock

Meanwhile, a Garda spokesperson said: ‘An Garda Síochána is aware of a communication that has been sent to a number of educational establishments today 14th October 2026.

‘Gardaí are currently assessing the contents and credibility of that communication. Gardaí are engaging with a number of educational establishments.’