Thousands of Kilkenny students benefitting from free meals as more schools join programme

The initiative began with 19 schools in Kilkenny last year

Published 8th Feb 2026, 16:30 BST Updated 12th Feb 2026, 13:13 BST Abbey Road/Fountain Street Junction in Ferrybank The initiative began with 19 schools in Kilkenny last year Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

Nearly 12,000 primary and secondary school students in Kilkenny are availing of free school meals as the programme expands nationwide.

Figures announced by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD last week showed that 9,464 primary and 2,140 secondary school students were benefiting from free hot school meals in the county.

Seven secondary schools have been approved for the programme in the 2025/26 academic year while the 61 Kilkenny primary schools taking part make up the majority of the county’s 80 first level schools.

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Applications for this year are continuing to be received and processed so the numbers availing of the hot meals will likely continue to grow.

The aim of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular and nutritious food to children to allow them to take full advantage of their education and encourage strong attendance and achievement.

Secondary schools aren’t eligible to apply for hot meals but can receive funding for other food options.

The benefit of the programme for many children has been praised but issues like waste and administrative burden on schools have prompted calls for a review of the scheme.

Related topics: Dara Calleary Schools Education Kilkenny Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.