Parents of students at Clare schools forced to close today amid a security threat are being advised that it is safe for them to return.

The schools in the Ennis and Shannon areas closed this morning on the advice of An Garda Síochána, after a "communication" was sent to a number of educational facilities.

Gardaí say they are now satisfied that the security threat is not credible.

A number of schools in the Ennis and Shannon areas were advised by Gardaí to close until noon today, after receiving what's described as a "communication" and a number of those took the decision to remain closed for the day.

It's understood that an email indicating a security threat at schools across the county had been sent to a number of educational facilities.

Gardaí have carried out an initial assessment and a Senior Spokesperson has confirmed they're satisfied the security threat is NOT credible and there's NO ongoing risk to the public.

Gardaí are engaging with the affected educational establishments with regard to this incident and enquiries are ongoing.

They say no further information is available at this time.

The incident has led to widespread shock, with Clare TD Cathal Crowe describing it as a very scary incident for parents, students, school staff and the general public.

The Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy says as this is no longer a live situation, it IS safe to return to school and advice has been circulated to parents, which they should follow.

Clare County Council has called for the implementation of a large scale plan to address the countywide issue of the proximity of trees to broadband cables and parts of the electricity grid.

It comes ahead of the release of the local authority’s review of the multiagency response to Storm Éowyn and its aftermath.

A rigid proposal involving the removal and cutting back of trees within 10 metres of electricity poles received widespread support when proposed at this week's meeting of the county's elected representatives.

In response to the motion, Senior Engineer, Cyril Feeney, says the local authority does have power under the Roads Act to remove roadside trees, however, this does not extend to private property.

Prior to the removal of any roadside trees, consultancy with the relevant utility company would also be required, to establish responsibility for doing so.

Whitegate Councillor Pat Burke, says the planning processes for broadband installation and construction of new houses needs to be reviewed.

Meanwhile, a separate motion has been put forward, requesting the council to call on the government to implement an aid scheme for the installation of generators for personal use during future storms.

Ennis Councillor, Pat Daly, says people need to be better prepared with storms starting to become more frequent.

Further clarity has also been sought about legislation surrounding the cutting or felling of trees on private land.

O'Callaghan's Mills Councillor, Conor Ryan, claims there is a misconception that land owners are unable to cut trees outside of a designated open season.

He says many people also wrongly believe that a designated felling license is required to do so.

The Government is being advised to maintain ties with Ireland's closest trade partners to ensure the survival of Clare's small and medium businesses.

In light of US President Donald Trump's pledge to impose further tariffs on the EU, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association has conducted a flash survey of SMEs to assess their exposure to such challenges.

It's been found that 74% of SMEs rely on import with 57% of these sourcing their goods from the UK and just 19% of imports coming from the US.

Managing Director of the Ailwee Burren Experience and ISME Council member Nuala Mulqueeney says preserving relationships has never been more crucial.

It’s claimed a response is required on a municipal district level in Clare to ensure the extent of damage caused by Storm Éowyn is never seen again. It follows a meeting of Clare County Council last evening, which called for an extensive plan to be put in place to remove trees in close proximity to power lines. At the peak of the storm, over 44,000 homes and businesses here were without electricity. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke, says the county was lucky to get away relatively unscathed, but claims urgent measures are needed to prevent future damage.

A Clare farming representative claims irresponsible dog owners aren't just risking the lives of livestock but their own lives as well. The Irish Farmers' Association has launched its 'No Dogs Allowed' campaign for 2025 which is pushing for dog owners to be "confronted about their failure to take responsibility for the actions of their pets". Among the measures being sought are the full enforcement of microchipping and licensing obligations of dog owners, and the granting of additional powers of enforcement to dog wardens. Feakle-based Chairperson of the Clare branch of the IFA Stephen Walshe says allowing dogs into fields with livestock creates extremely unsafe conditions for all present.

Clare's Aine Keane After Win Over Westmeath In LGFA League

There's major excitement in Ennis today as a new store has opened on the Limerick Road.

Marks and Spencer has officially opened its 20th Irish branch inside the Applegreen Service Station in the county town.

The facility will employ seventeen people in total and will offer an array of artisan foods, while its Subway unit and car wash have also been fully refurbished.

Store Manager Daniel Sveda has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they're hopeful of further expansion.

An urgent appeal has been issued to people in Clare for blood donations, as supplies remain very low in the wake of Storm Éowyn.

The recent severe weather events and high levels of respiratory illness within communities has significantly impacted blood collections and the IBTS is running critically low in blood stocks.

It says it urgently needs new donors, younger donors, donors of all ethnicities and in particular, those of African heritage.

Clinics are taking place in Ennis and Ennistymon today and tomorrow and Broadford based Donor Recruitment Executive, Alex O'Connor says five days worth of blood is required to reach comfortable levels of supply.

Steph en Fletcher leads our Sunday prayer for Sunday 23rd February 2025 the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the 2nd Sunday before Lent.