20 primary schools targeted with threatening emails as Gardai mount high visibility patrols

TWENTY primary schools in Co Carlow received threatening emails this morning resulting in several closing and ordering pupils to stay at home.

The threatening emails were sent this morning, Wednesday 27th May 2026, just after 7am.

As a result, a Garda investigation team was established in Carlow Garda Station.

Members of An Garda Síochána have been in touch with all affected schools during the course of the day.

While some schools have made the decision to close, reopening is a matter for each school Board of Management.

An Garda Síochána will continue to support schools and provide guidance.

The threatening email is believed to have been routed through another country and the credibility of the message is still being investigated. There was no advance warning.

Lines of communication have been opened at a senior level with the Department of Education and Youth.

High visibility patrols have been in place throughout the day and indeed for coming days in the environs of all forty-two (42) primary schools in Co Carlow.