Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports and Leader of the Independent Group of Ministers, Seán Canney TD, has today welcomed the inclusion of 63 Galway primary schools in the latest expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme, announced by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD.
This expansion will see 713 additional primary schools nationwide receive hot meals from today—bringing the total number of schools benefiting from the scheme to nearly 2,850. Over 475,000 primary school children across the country are now eligible to receive a nutritious hot meal every school day.
Minister Canney said: “This is a hugely welcome development for schools and families across Galway. Ensuring children receive a hot meal during the school day has proven benefits for attendance, concentration, and educational outcomes. I’m delighted to see 63 more schools in our county added to the programme.”
Minister Calleary also confirmed that the Department of Social Protection will begin a comprehensive review of the nutritional standards underpinning the scheme. This review, to be completed by the end of 2025, will involve input from a Department of Health-supervised dietician and will lead to the removal of foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt from school menus starting September 2025.
“This scheme is not just about providing meals—it’s about providing the right meals,” Minister Canney added. “I fully support the focus on improved nutrition, food waste reduction, and environmentally friendly packaging as we expand the programme even further.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The full list of schools is as follows:
01000E Esker N S
01328P Kiltormer N S
08446K Sn Tullach Ui Chadhain
11669B S N Naomh Brid
12138V Sn Ceathru Na Laithigh
12606F Crumlin N S
12782C Bunscoil Naomh Chuana
13415D Sn Tuairini
13914V Scoil Naomh Iosef
14031N Carnain N.S.
14278B Scoil Naomh Padraig
14448A Cloughanower N S
14590D Ainbhthin Naofa
15331H S N Baile Nua
15475I Kilconly N S
15796F S N Cor An Droma
15900U The Glebe N.S.
16410I Ballinderry N S
16750J Parochial N S
16804G S N Chlair Na Gaillimhe
16937C S N Fhursa
17051L S N Na Fuar Coilleadh
17071R S N Baile A Mhoinin
17475S S N Aine Naofa
17485V S N Padraig Naofa
17490O S N Lorcain Naofa
17506D S N Breandan Naofa
17613E S N Caitriona Naofa
17631G Ceathru Na Ngarrdhanta
17645R S N Cronain
17772B S N Brighdhe Naofa
17807R S N Cathair Geal
17869Q S N Ciarain Naofa
17870B Scoil Bhreandain Naofa
17934B Scoil Bhride
18089S Scoil Naomh Mhuire
18112K Scoil Naomh Eanna
18125T Scoil Naomh Mhuire
18163E Sn N Breandain
18252D Scoil Mhuire
18309G Scoil Bride
18332B Scoil Naomh Padraig
18572V Glenamaddy Ns
18581W Scoil Mhuire
18634R Scoil Ide
18636V S N Bheanain
19275U Barnaderg Central Sch
19276W St Colmans Mxd N S
19371Q S N Iognaid
19506N Cappatagle Central Sch
19529C Scoil Mhuire
19544V Kilchreest Central Sch
19965W Scoil Mhuire
19997M Scoil Bhrige Agus Bhreandain Naofa
19998O Gaelscoil De Hide
20115F Scoil Einne
20123E Gaelscoil Riabhach
20264W Gaelscoil Na Bhfili
20326S Kilcolgan Educate Together Ns
20448J Annagh Hill Ns
20462D Cuan Na Gaillimhe Community National School
20491K St Columba’S National School
20583P Headford Primary School
