South Roscommon school added to hot meals programme ahead of new term

More than 160 primary schools across the country have been added to the Government's hot school meals programme for September, including Castlesampson National School in Taughmaconnell.

The announcement brings the total number of primary schools nationally that are eligible to receive hot school meals under the programme to almost 2,200, according to a statement issued today (Wednesday) on behalf of Minister Heather Humphreys.

Announcing the addition of more schools to the programme, Minister Humphreys noted that it had grown massively since first being introduced as a pilot project of just 30 schools in 2019.

"My ambition now is to finish the job as part of this year’s Budget and ensure that every primary school in Ireland is providing hot school meals in 2025," said the Minister.

Previously, twenty local schools in the wider Athlone area were added to the hot meals programme from April of this year.

Those schools were: An Grianán NS in Mount Temple, Athlone Mixed National School, Ballinahown National School, St Oliver Plunkett Catholic Boys National School in Moate, Drumraney Mixed National School, St Brigid's Primary School, Moate, Tang NS, Kilcleagh NS in Castledaly, Clonbonny NS, Baylin National School, Athlone, Tubberclare NS, Athlone, Athleague NS, Brideswell NS, Clonown NS, Camcloon NS, Scoil Naisiunta Cnoc An Chrocaire, Knockcroghery, Cloonakilla National School, Athlone, Glanduff National School, Kiltoom, Lismoil National School, Curraghboy, Athlone and Ballintleva National School, Curraghboy.