A NUMBER OF schools in Carlow have closed today as a precaution after they received a “threatening” email.

Gardaí are investigating the origins of the email, which reportedly said there would be a shooting.

Fergal Browne, principal of St Joseph’s National School in Carlow town, told KCLR that he believes it’s a hoax, but nevertheless it’s “very upsetting” for children and parents.

He said a “generic” email was sent to numerous schools in Carlow, telling them there could be a mass shooting.

“I’d imagine it’s a hoax,” he said.

Gardaí have been liaising with the affected schools and there is an increased garda presence in Carlow town today.

St Joseph’s School chose not to close today.

“It is obviously very concerning, but I’d reassure parents that schools are very safe places,” said Browne.

“We have a lot of systems in place, and we’ll learn from this as well.”

One school is missing its school tour today due to the threat, Browne said.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said they’re “assessing the contents and credibility” of the email.

“Senior Garda leadership have opened communication with the affected educational establishments,” they said.

Browne said he and other principals will discuss later “how we can react to these threats in future”.

“We have to be vigilant. We can’t ignore it. We can’t underreact and we can’t overreact,” he said.

“I don’t know what sick individual is behind it, but obviously it’s not good enough.”

In February 2025, a number of schools in Clare closed after receiving an email that claimed there would be shooting. It was found by gardaí to be a hoax.