Pre-school children in disadvantaged areas are to benefit from a new free meal scheme.
€4.2 million euro in funding's been announced for the Bia Blasta scheme.
The pre-school nutritional programme will provide daily lunches for 25 thousand children attending early-learning centres in the most disadvantaged areas of the country.
Speaking to Northern Sound on the launch of the scheme today, Deputy Brendan Smith said: "I am delighted to be informed of the Bia Blasta, a pre-school nutritious programme, being announced today by Minister Norma Foley.
"Child food poverty is a huge issue that we must tackle. Through this initiative, it will ensure 25,000 pre-school children in disadvantaged areas have access to healthy nutritious meals during their time in pre-school. This initiative will help children in so many ways. It will help them in their personal growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and help them learn about and enjoy healthy food.
"Bia Blasta is offering children in disadvantaged areas real support, and I am delighted today to hear that Tullachmongan, Claddagh and Cootehill childcare services in our constituency have been included in the initiative."
Full list of services included in Cavan and Monaghan:
Cavan
- Bailieborough Development Association Ltd (BDA)
- Bailieborough Resource Hse
- Circle of Friends Childcare Services
- Claddagh Childcare Limited
- Cootehill Community Childcare
- Krafty Kidz Afterschool
- KraftyKidz Daisy Hill
- Laochra Academy St. Clares
- Tullacmongan Childcare Service
Monaghan
- Aspire afterschool
- Castleblayney Community Childcare (Iontas Childcare)
- Laurel Hill Community Childcare
- Little Wonders
- Teach na bPaisti
- Tinys Day Nursery
- Tree tops MN childcare ltd
