Education Minister Norma Foley announced that while most of Ireland’s schools remain open, a significant number are closed due to heavy snowfall and unsafe conditions in several counties, including Carlow and Kilkenny. Schools are making individual decisions based on local circumstances, with some opting for online learning where feasible. Principals express stress over the situation, highlighting the challenges of managing logistics in rural areas. Currently, thousands of residents are experiencing power and water outages, complicating the response to the severe winter weather.