Minister Darragh O’Brien Welcomes Hot School Meals Expansion to 4 Additional Dublin Fingal East Schools

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal East, Minister Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary of the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme to a further 713 primary schools across the country, including 4 additional schools in Dublin Fingal East.
 
Minister O’Brien described the move as a “game-changer for families and school communities,” and said the rollout will ensure even more children in Dublin and beyond benefit from access to a nutritious, hot meal each day at school.
 
“This is a huge step forward for schools and families across Fingal. I’m delighted that 4 more schools in Dublin Fingal East have been approved to begin receiving Hot School Meals from this month,” said Deputy Minister O’Brien.
 
“We know that a hot meal can make a real difference to a child’s ability to focus and participate fully in their school day. This programme supports not only nutrition and wellbeing, but also school attendance and educational outcomes.”
 
The Hot School Meals Programme, which began as a small pilot in just 30 schools, now covers 2,850 primary schools nationwide and is providing hot meals to over 475,000 children. The 4 newly approved Dublin Fingal East schools will be contacted by the Department of Social Protection in the coming days to begin implementation.
 
The 4 Dublin Fingal East schools added to the programme are: Holy Family Senior National School, Swords Educate Together, River Valley Community National School and Gaelscoil Na Mara.
Minister O’Brien also welcomed the announcement that the programme’s nutritional standards will be reviewed and strengthened, with the removal of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods from menus from September 2025.
 
“As well as expanding access, it’s vital we maintain high standards. The upcoming nutritional review and the move to remove unhealthy options will make sure children are getting the best start possible in their day.”
 
Minister O’Brien encouraged any primary schools in Dublin Fingal East not yet signed up to consider participating, and committed to supporting local schools and suppliers as they transition into the scheme.
 
“I’ll continue to work closely with schools and parents here in Dublin Fingal East to make sure this programme delivers for every community. No child should have to worry about being hungry in school.”
 
A full list of the 713 schools approved for Hot School Meals from today, including the 4 in Dublin Fingal East, is available at www.gov.ie/HotSchoolMeals2025.