THE BOMB threats sent to schools on Wednesday were “sinister enough,” according to Limerick Councillor Ursula Gavan.
A threatening email was sent nationwide to approximately 200 schools, including Limerick schools, warning of an “explosive device”.
Speaking to the Limerick Voice, local Independent Cllr Gavan voiced her concern about the situation. Despite An Garda Síochána’s treatment of the email as a “hoax”, she felt that “all these things should be treated very seriously.”
Schools were closed when the threats were received at 10.30am on October 14, due to the public sector strikes. Cllr Gavan, who was present at the Limerick protests at the time, felt it was fortunate that nobody was in school on the day, stating there would have been “absolute chaos” had teachers opened the email in front of their classes.
“Had it transpired that it was legitimate, I suppose it would have been very chaotic for both parents, schools, management and children as well involved,” Cllr Gavan explained. “Thankfully it was seen for what it was. It was very threatening behaviour”.
The email, which was seen by Limerick Live, contained the subject line “Death awaits you.” “You have one hour until dozens of people are blown to pieces,” the sender stated.
The Gardaí “have to take every threat seriously,” regardless of whether it is a hoax or not, Cllr Gavan said upon hearing the contents of the email.
The majority of schools opened as usual on Thursday, however, some remained closed, which was the case for some schools in Donegal.
“I know one or two [schools] remained closed on Thursday, but that was probably on advice from An Gardaí, as they probably weren’t aware of the situation,” Cllr Gavan explained.
There were no reports of school closures on Friday, October 16, as members of An Garda Síochána continue to “investigate the contents” of the email.