Some schools will remain closed tomorrow.

The Department of Education has warned schools in orange or red alert areas to remain closed tomorrow. A statement was issued this evening: "The Department is advising that all schools that are currently or forecast to be in a Red or Orange alert area should remain closed tomorrow, 8th December. "This will allow for assessment of the impact of Storm Barra," the Department explained. "This includes counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Wexford." "Schools who are no longer in a Red or Orange alert area can re-open provided if there are concerns, school managers have had an opportunity to check for fallen wires and other serious damage in the vicinity of school buildings. "If an individual school (in a yellow area) is still experiencing a particular local issue relating to the storm the Board of Management can make a decision to remain closed for tomorrow." "All schools should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins, and in particular any change in the status warning for their area." The statement comes after Minister for Education Norma Foley told parents not to be concerned about the school closures. She stressed that they are temporary and that they are closing to protect both staff and pupils from Storm Barra.