More than 150 schools across the Dublin and Kildare regions were targeted by a mass email warning of potential attacks on Wednesday. The threats arrived on the same day as widespread industrial action regarding public sector pay, which had already seen the majority of schools across Ireland close with picket lines placed outside. Despite the influx of threatening communications, the Department of Education has maintained that schools should continue to operate as normal unless they receive specific, contradictory advice from local law enforcement. For the staff and management bodies involved, the official guidance remains consistent: report the receipt of any such email to 999 and follow the instructions provided by gardaí.
The Department of Education confirmed it has been in active consultation with gardaí regarding the incidents. While rumors suggested the bomb squad had been deployed to affected schools, the Defence Forces clarified that two explosive ordnance disposal deployments made to Dublin locations on Wednesday were routine and unrelated to these specific threats. According to the Irish Times, gardaí are currently engaged with the affected establishments to determine the origin and seriousness of the messages. Gardaí issued a statement confirming they are fully aware of the communication sent to the schools and are in the process of assessing the contents and overall credibility of the threats. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation stated it is not currently in a position to comment but continues to direct members to engage directly with gardaí. No further information regarding the nature or source of the emails has been made available by authorities at this time.