Additional 27 Mayo schools approved for hot school meals
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the news that a further 27 Mayo primary schools have been approved for the Hot School Meals Programme, bringing the total number of Mayo schools who will be providing hot meals to 61.
This is a significant increase from just five north Mayo schools in 2021.
Said Minister Dillon: “I am delighted that so many Mayo schools submitted their expressions of interest for participation in the programme. Research indicates that the provision of school meals resulted in improvements in attendance in school, with evidence that providing children with food in school is making a difference to families in terms of money saved and, for some families, in time saved on food preparation.”
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys today announced that some 900 additional primary schools are being approved for the programme.
In addition, any remaining primary schools who have not yet joined the scheme can now express an interest to participate with effect from September.
The additional Mayo primary schools approved for hot school meals from September are:
Scoil Na Gcoillini, Belmullet
Ballintubber NS
Holy Trinity National School, Westport
The Neale NS
Roxboro NS, Ballinrobe
Midfield NS, Swinford
Ballyheane NS
Cornanool NS
Gortjordan NS
Irishtown NS
Rathbane NS, Ballina
Cloghans NS, Ballina
Murrisk NS, Westport
Cooneal NS, Ballina
Cogaula NS, Westport
Glencorrib NS
Parke NS, Castlebar
Ballycushion NS
Gortskehy NS, Hollymount
Robeen NS, Hollymount
Foxford NS
Kiltimagh NS
Bohola NS
Claremorris Boys NS
Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca, Claremorris
Scoil Phádraig, Westport
Tourmakeady NS
Said Minister Dillon: “When the scheme first started in 2020, there were just 30 schools nationally receiving hot meals. Today’s announcement means that there are now over 2,000 primary schools able to benefit.
“I now hope that all Mayo schools who are interested in providing hot schools will now lodge their expressions of interest.
“It is the ambition of the department that every primary school child in the country will be receiving a hot meal by 2025.”