Bomb hoax threats directed at Kildare schools raised in the Dáil
The matter was highlighted by a Kildare-based TD
Bomb hoax threats which were directed at a number of schools, including in County Kildare, have been raised in Dáil Éireann.
Yesterday, An Garda Síochána issued advice to the Department of Education and Youth, who subsequently advised schools that, based on their review of the threat, there is no need for schools to evacuate as these are generic email threats.
Despite this, some schools evacuated their premises as a precaution, and this prompted Labour Party TD for Kildare South Mark Wall to highlight the matter during a recent appearance in the Dáil.
PHONE CALLS
The Athy-based politician revealed that he had received a number of phone calls regarding the ‘potential bomb threat’ received by ‘hundreds’ of schools.
“We can only imagine what these families went through,” he added. “Thankfully, it was a hoax, but in some cases and including two schools in my own area of Kildare South, they were evacuated.”
Deputy Wall subsequently asked An Taoiseach Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil) what the government plans to do regarding these threats, which he referred to as ‘a threat to our way of life and democracy’,
He also asked if gardaí ‘are fully aware of what’s going on’.
In response, An Taoiseach told Deputy Wall confirmed that An Garda Síochána issued advice to the Department of Education and Youth, who subsequently advised schools not to close.
He also said that gardaí believed the communications to be ‘generic email threats’.
An Taoiseach further said: “If a school has received this email, they are advised to contact the emergency services at 999 and follow the advice of An Garda Síochána; the Department of Education [and Youth] has to written all schools [yesterday] morning to advise of same.”
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