SCHOOLS are to remain closed for a second day amid the clean-up from storm Ophelia.
Following harsh criticism that parents were not informed of Monday's closures until late on Sunday, the Department of Education announced shortly after 4pm yesterday that schools would not reopen until tomorrow.
All schools in the Republic will also be shut today.
The department said the decision had been made following a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group - a body that includes representatives from all the emergency services.
"The group has taken advice from the Met Office on the prolonged nature and potential severity of the storm and a decision was taken to advise schools to remain closed," it said.
Derek Baker, the department's permanent secretary, said the decision was taken on safety grounds.
"I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff," he said.
The north's two universities Queen's and Ulster University were due to open today. But all further education colleges remained closed.
Permanent secretary at the Department for Economy Dr Andrew McCormick said: "Safety of students is paramount and this decision has been taken with that in mind".
Read more: Analysis - Late announcement always bound to anger parents
Politicians welcomed early notice of today's school closures.
Sinn Féin's education spokeswoman Karen Mullan said although the weather is forecast to improve today "there is a concern that power shortages and potential damage to buildings and transport networks could impact on accessibility and safety".
"In those circumstances it is sensible to be cautious and to take the decision as early as possible to allow parents to make necessary arrangements," she said.
SDLP education spokesman Colin McGrath said the safety of children must come first.
"It is not yet known what damage the storm may cause to our schools, roads and other infrastructure therefore it is appropriate to be cautious," he said.
"I urge all members of the public to stay in doors if possible and to follow the advice issued from statutory agencies to ensure that they get through the storm safely."
