Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that some schools may need to move to remote learning on Monday, after Storm Éowyn caused damaged to more than 100 schools and left a similar number without power.
Strong winds from the storm caused damage and destruction across the north on Friday, bringing down trees and power lines.
More than 2,300 roads obstructions were reported and 75,000 homes were still without power on Sunday afternoon.
More: Additional engineers drafted to help reconnect homes across Ireland
Schools across the north were ordered to close ahead of the storm’s arrival on Friday due to the rare red weather warning put in place by the Met Office.
Education Update #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/9GLjtzz89A
— Paul Givan (@paulgivan) January 25, 2025
“To date, over 100 schools have reported damage to their property ranging from minor damage to fences, missing roof tiles to more significant structural damage,” the Education Minister said.
“The Education Authority’s maintenance service is currently working hard to prioritise the most critical repairs across Northern Ireland.
“Staff are out on the ground assessing the damage to schools, taking forward essential repairs and establishing whether it is safe for the more severely damaged schools to open on Monday.
“NIE Networks has reported extensive damage to the electricity network and we currently estimate that more than 100 schools are still without power,” he continued.
“We are currently working closely, and NIE have confirmed that they will, where possible, prioritise schools that currently have no power.
“While every effort continues to be made over this weekend to ensure that impacted schools can reopen as soon as practicably possible, it is likely that some schools may need to move to remote learning on Monday.”
Mr Givan added that the Education Authority’s Transport Service will operate as normal on Monday, however there may be delays and disruption to some routes.
Between 6 and 10 schools are believed to have suffered significant damage that will prevent them from opening on Monday.
Clounagh Junior High School in Portadown announced that teaching would move online on Monday following damage to the school building and on its site.
“It will be Monday before a full assessment can be undertaken by Education Authority maintenance staff to determine that it is safe for pupils and staff to return,” the school said in a statement on social media.
🌪️Storm update🌪️ We hope all our families are safe and well following the storm. We are aware that many homes, including...
Posted by Ampertaine Primary School on Sunday 26 January 2025
Other schools, such as Ampertaine Primary School in Maghera, have asked parents to await updates as they remain without power on Sunday morning .
More details regarding school closures are expected later on Sunday.
