16 schools in Laois are set to benefit from an expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.
The schools named cover a broad section of the county, with both rural and urban schools listed.
The 16 Laois schools included are as follows:
- Ballyadams NS
- Ballinakill NS
- Cluain Eidhneach NS, Mountrath
- Cosby NS, Stradbally
- Holy Family Junior School, Portlaoise
- Holy Family Senior School, Portlaoise
- Maryborough NS, Portlaoise
- Naomh Padraig NS, Derrylamogue
- Paddock NS, Mountrath
- Raithin An Uisce NS, Ratheniska
- Scoil Naisiunta Baile Finn, Ballyfin
- Scoil Chomhgain Naofa, Killeshin
- Scoil Eoin Phoil Naofa, Ballyroan
- Scoil Fionntan Naofa, Shanahoe
- Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe
- Scoil Tighearnach Naofa, Cullohill
713 schools have been included nationwide, bringing the total number of primary school children across the country who are eligible to receive a hot school meal every day to 475,000.
The Programme, first established 2019, will now be availed of by 2,850 Primary Schools across the country.
Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming welcomed the news, saying: “Practically all primary schools in the country are now included in this programme but schools must apply to the Department to be included in this scheme.
“I want to thank all the school in Laois who are participating this scheme for the benefit of their pupils as it is important that every pupil attending school is guaranteed a hot nutritious meal every day in school.”
Deputy Fleming also said he was “very pleased” that a review of the nutritional standards “will be completed soon.”
Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the announcement, saying: “A hot school meal is essential for our children in terms of their physical and mental health, as well as their educational output.
“It makes them happier and more productive, while also giving parents peace of mind that their children are being fed while at school.”
