A primary school in Mayo has been told it cannot close until after Christmas over concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
Claremorris Boys National School had decided to shut its doors after a number of students tested positive for the virus.
Public Health did not back the move and this evening it's emerged the Department of Education did not support the move either.
Principal Mark Loftus says the school has been ordered to reopen on Monday for those who are not isolating.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the Department said while they understand schools and principals have been working tirelessly through these unprecedented times, there is no public health rationale for altering agreed standardised school breaks.
Schools will close for the Christmas holidays as arranged on Tuesday, December 22nd not Friday, December 18th.
Separately, the Holy Family Senior School in Portlaoise in Co Laois is closed.
It says the HSE has worked with the school, recognising the need to close onsite from today and education will continue online.
