Athenry school principal says attendance levels normal despite forecasts of high absenteeism

Galway Bay fm newsroom - An Athenry school principal says attendance levels are normal today, despite media reports suggesting schools are facing significant reductions in pupils this week.

This morning, some schools nationwide are reporting as high as 40 percent of students being absent, amid concerns over COVID-19 in the run-up to Christmas.

City Councillor John Connolly is Principal of Athenry Boys National School.

Speaking to Galway Talks, he says there's been a slight dip in attendance - but that's normal this time of year.

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste says the government is still planning to reopen schools on time in the new year.

Leo Varadkar says Covid cases among primary school children are starting to fall.