LATEST: Gardai issue update on security threat that forced closure of Clare schools

GARDAI say an overnight security threat which resulted in the closure of a number of schools in County Clare is "not credible", in an updated statement this Tuesday morning.

An email, which refers to firearms, was sent to a number of schools in the Sixmilebridge, Ennis and Shannon areas at around 2am.

Upon receipt of the email, a number of schools contacted parents to say the doors would remain closed due to "exceptional circumstances".

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Gardai confirmed early this Tuesday morning that investigations were underway and in an update a spokesperson said that following initial assessment, An Garda Síochána is satisfied that the security threat is "not credible" and there is no ongoing risk to the public.

"Gardaí are engaging with the affected educational establishments with regard to this incident.

"Enquiries are ongoing. No further information is available at this time," said the garda spokesperson.

Commenting following the garda update, Clare TD and Minister of State Timmy Dooley said the email communication caused a lot of upset and anxiety for teachers, parents and pupils.

"Some kids had to be sent home, others were able to be contacted through WhatsApp groups etc - it created a very significant amount of concern and I would say hysteria from some parents who contacted me early this morning," he told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk.

"My  understanding is that the gardai have made significant advances to be in a position to say that this isn't a credible threat and I think they will be better able to inform the public about the course of the investigation in the hours ahead," he added.