Pupils at another five primary schools in Louth are to receive hot school meals from September.

Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said the news from Minister Heather Humphreys’ department was a great boost to pupils and students ahead of the next school term.

The additional schools confirmed today include, Scoil Naomh Buithe in Tinure, St. Joseph's National School in Mell, Boher National School in Greenore, Rathcor National School in Riverstown and Scoil Phadraig Naofa in Kilcurry.

Across the country, over 345,000 primary school children are now eligible to receive hot school meals since the scheme which was set up by Fine Gael in 2019.

“The 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. It is already proving to be very popular in Louth,” O’Dowd said.

“Under Minister Heather Humphreys the scheme stretches to 2,200 primary schools across the country, it is a great success and welcomed by pupils, parents and teachers,” O’Dowd said.

Minister Humphreys said: “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.

“I firmly believe the roll-out of hot school meals to every primary school in the country will be one of the lasting legacies of this Government.”