A primary school in south Mayo has closed from today until January 5th due an outbreak of Covid 19 in the school.
The move is in contravention of Department of Education rules which require all State-funded schools to remain open until next Friday.
Claremorris Boys National School told parents last night that it believed early closure was right and necessary at this stage.
It said that despite not being able to secure sanction for closure from the Department and the HSE public health, "this is the only practical way we can help prevent further elevation and spread of Covid cases among the school community".
It said the decision had been a "very difficult" one.
Since the school reopened after the mid-term break a number of students have tested positive for the virus.
The cases have occurred across several different classes.
HSE data shows that the Claremorris region currently has one of the highest incidences of the virus nationally.
The current local rate stands at 258 per 100,000 of the population. That is more than three times greater than the national figure, which stands at 80.
In a statement posted on the school's website principal Mark Loftus said; "We are deeply frustrated at the system adopted by public health on cross infection levels and the Department regarding Covid-19 and its effects, to insist that schools remain open at all costs".
Mr Loftus said he believed that exceptional school closures are necessary.
Mayo Fine Gael deputy Alan Dillon today told Midwest News that he is calling for an investigation into the role of Public Health teams when such incidents occur.
He believes it’s unfair that the school’s Board of Management and the Principal have been forced to make this decision without what he described as “adequate support and advice from Public Health”.
