Parents and staff at a national school outside Athlone in Co Westmeath have strongly criticised the Department of Education for a lack of assistance in helping the school come up with more space to teach classes at a social distance and provide an appropriate isolation area for children who have Covid-19 symptoms.
If any children are identified with symptoms at Clonbonny National School today, they will have to be moved to a garden shed in the school yard - the only area left available on the school campus according to school staff and parents. "It is not just good enough," local councillor Frankie Keena said, "the school board have sought help and a portacabin from the department.