File photo.

Offaly school added to hot meals programme ahead of new term

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More than 160 primary schools across the country have been added to the Government's hot school meals programme for September, including Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Eoin in Rath, Birr.

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 today (Wednesday) on behalf of Minister Heather Humphreys.

Offaly councillor John Clendennen welcomed Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Eoin's addition to the programme.

He noted that more than 345,000 primary school children across the country are now eligible to receive hot school meals.

"This programme forms part of Ireland's commitment under the European Child Guarantee to give all children access to a range of key services, including healthcare and nutrition," Cllr Clendennen said.

"It is a great scheme and is very beneficial for primary school children here in Offaly.

"The scheme was initially introduced by Fine Gael Minister Regina Doherty in 2019, as a pilot measure to 30 schools, and now under Minister Heather Humphreys the scheme stretches to 2,200 primary schools across the country."

He said he hoped to see the number of Offaly schools involved in the scheme grow further.

"I want more schools across Offaly to have the programme extended to them as soon as possible... it is a great success and welcomed by pupils, parents and teachers," he concluded.

Previously, eighteen Offaly schools were added to the hot meals programme from April of this year.

Those schools were: Ballykilmurry NS, Charleville NS, Clonbullogue NS, Cloneyhurke NS, Edenderry Convent NS, Gaelscoil Na Laochra, High St Mixed NS, Scoil Cronain Naofa, Lumcloon National School, Tobar National School, Scoil Mhuire, Tullamore, Scoil Mhuire Banrioghan (Dunkerrin National School), Durrow National School, Scoil Naisiunta Roscomroe, Scoil Naomh Seosamh in Tullamore, Scoil Bhríde Primary School in Edenderry, St Colman's National ​School and Killeigh National School.

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