LAST UPDATE | 11 Feb

GARDAÍ NOW BELIEVE that a threatening email sent to schools, that claimed there would be an attack in County Clare, was a hoax.

Early this morning an email circulated claiming to be from a named individual in which there was a threat to carry out a number of shootings at schools in locations in Co Clare. 

The Journal has confirmed that a number of schools in Clare have closed as a precaution, issuing text messages to parents this morning. 

The email contained details of a named individual in County Clare. 

It is understood Gardaí went to the house of the individual this morning and after enquiries determined the incident was a hoax.

Investigations are now focused on identifying where the email came from and whether that individual may have been the victim of a malicious prank. No arrests have been made but it is understood that the gardaí will also use cyber crime experts to determine the IP address of the original communication.

They are also investigating any connections or contacts made to the individual and if any other incidents are linked. 

A garda spokesman said they are investigating the email at present and are assessing the threat. 

“Following initial assessment, An Garda Síochána is satisfied that the security threat is not credible and there is no ongoing risk to the public.

“Gardaí are engaging with the affected educational establishments with regard to this incident. Enquiries are ongoing. No further information is available at this time,” he said. 

Earlier this morning gardaí said that they were engaging with the “affected educational establishment with regard to this ongoing incident”.

“Any senior management of these establishments with concerns are advised to make contact with Ennis Garda station,” he said.

Schools set to reopen tomorrow 

The Department of Education was made aware of the situation this morning and “worked closely with An Garda Síochána and with the impacted schools throughout the day”, a spokesperson said.

They added that the department “sent a direct communication to those schools offering guidance and support”.

The Department expects that schools impacted will reopen as normal tomorrow.

Overnight a shocking threat was made against schools in different parts of our county.

I am liaising with our local Gardaí to establish if the individual is in custody. The detail of the situation can wait until later but for now we need to know that our children are all safe.

— Cathal Crowe T.D. (@CathalCroweTD) February 11, 2025

Local TD Cathal Crowe earlier spoke of people’s shock in the area about the incident.

“Overnight, a shocking threat was made against schools in different parts of our county.

“Gardai acted swiftly on this “threat” and have now confirmed to me that there is no active threat.

“This was a very scary incident for parents, students, school staff and the general public and I have full confidence in Clare’s Gardai to properly investigate this and establish all the facts,” he said. 

With additional reporting from Pat Flynn and Órla Ryan.