CAO applicants who have been impacted by Storm Éowyn have been given an extra five days to complete their application for a college place.
Applications are due in this coming Saturday 1 February at 5pm.
However in light of power outages which have left many without internet connectivity in their homes, a new date of 6 February has been set for those affected.
CAO's Head of Communications, Eileen Keleghan said: "CAO and Higher Education Institutions have been monitoring the situation closely in relation to power outages and the impact on those who wish to make a CAO application but are currently unable to do so.
"CAO is arranging to make an exceptional facility available for those impacted by the unprecedented circumstances caused by Storm Éowyn who, as a result, are unable to make a 2025 CAO application by 1 February at 5pm.
"In the interim, we encourage all those who are in a position to apply to do so without delay.
"Those interested in applying for DARE, HEAR, restricted courses and mature entry routes will be able to do so if they obtain a 2025 CAO application number by applying to CAO using this exceptional facility. Applicants should go to cao.ie and follow the instructions.
"For operational reasons, this exceptional facility cannot be extended after 6 February at 5pm."
Ms Keleghan also added that "significant numbers of homes are without power, but application numbers are stronger than for the same period in recent years".
Applicants who have already made a CAO application have up to 5pm on 1 February to add, remove or re-order courses free of charge.
If an applicant is considering applying for a restricted course, they should make sure to include the course details in their application before this deadline (or by 1 March using the Change of Course Choices facility for a fee of €10).
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