The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced that over thirty primary schools have been selected to receive hot meals.
The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, announced that over thirty primary schools in Ireland have been selected to receive hot meals during the new school year.
As part of the new initiative announced just yesterday, over 6,600 pupils will get a hot school dinner from September.
The Hot School Meals Pilot Project which has been running in a Dublin school since the beginning of the year saw almost 250 pupils receive a hot meal at lunchtime each day.
Following the success of the initial trial at the Inchicore school, they will continue to be part of the scheme alongside another 36 new schools that have been selected.
Yesterday, Minister Doherty said: "A hot school meal is not just about nutrition but it also guarantees a better education. The research out there shows us that children who benefit from a daily nutritious hot dinner have greater focus and better learning outcomes."
"I would like to thank all the schools who applied for the pilot – we had an enthusiastic response. I am delighted to be extending this pilot to the 36 schools announced today."
"They represent a good cross-sample of schools and I look forward to the insights we gather from their experiences."
The schools that have been selected for the pilot project include DEIS and non-DEIS in both urban and rural areas in a variety of sizes to ensure the best possible sample for the new scheme.
All primary schools taking part in the project will be given funding to source suppliers meaning parents will not be asked to fund or contribute in any way.
Children attending each of the national and senior schools will be given a choice of at least two different meal options per day while also covering those with specific dietary requirements.
The menu will include vegetarian and vegan options while also catering to students’ of all religions and cultures.
The schools selected for the new pilot scheme include:
Treasa Naomha, Kiltegan, Carlow
Corrabha, Glangevlin, Cavan
Ballycar National School, Newmarket on Fergus, Clare
Scoil Mhuire Agus Eoin, Mayfield, Cork
Clogheen Mixed National School, Kerry Pike, Cork
Bun An Tsabhairne, Crosshaven, Cork
Scoil Na Mbraithre, Mitchelstown, Cork
Domhnach Mor, Castlefin, Donegal
Clochar Padraig Naofa, Carndonagh, Donegal
Goldenbridge Convent, Inchicore, Dublin
Educate Together National School, Belmayne, Dublin
Gaelscoil Phadraig, Ballybrack, Dublin
St Thomas Senior National School, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin
St Philip The Apostle Junior National School, Clonsilla, Dublin
Bushy Park National School, Bushy Park, Galway
Na Cealltraighe, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Galway
Gort Na Gaoithe, Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Galway
Scoil Mhuire, Brosna, Kerry
Curragh Camp Girls National School, Curragh Camp, Kildare
Graig Na Manach Buac, Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny
Barr Na Sruthan National School, Mountmellick, Laois
Mohill National School, Mohill, Leitrim
St Johns Convent, Cathedral Place, Limerick
St Josephs Convent, Longford Town, Longford
Naomh Lorcan, Dundalk, Louth
Realt Na Mara, Mulranny, Mayo
Achaidh An Ghlaisin, Belmullet, Mayo
Gaelscoil An Bhradáin Feasa, Mornington, Meath
Lisdoonan National School, Carrickmacross, Monaghan
St Ciarans Mixed National School, Ballycumber, Offaly
St Annes Con National School, Castlerea, Roscommon
Holy Family School, Tubbercurry, Sligo
Scoil Na Mbraithre, Nenagh, Tipperary
Scoil Choill Mhic Thomaisin, Kilmacthomas, Waterford
Eoin Naofa National School, Ballymore, Westmeath
Gorey Central School, Gorey, Wexford
St. Peter's Primary School, Bray, Wicklow
