Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed confirmation that several pre-school and childcare services in Galway East will benefit from the Government’s new Bia Blasta lunch scheme, which will provide nutritious daily meals to pre-school children in disadvantaged areas.

The programme, launched today by Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality Norma Foley TD, will see €4.2 million invested nationally to ensure 25,000 children in early learning and care services with the highest concentrations of disadvantage receive healthy lunches each day.

In Galway East, the following services will benefit:

  • Athenry Community Childcare
  • Bright Sparks Montessori, Tuam
  • Happy Feet Pre-School and Aftercare, Loughrea
  • Kidzone, Tuam
  • Kiltormer Breakfast and Afterschool Club
  • Little All-Stars Montessori and Creche, Tuam
  • Sign Out Afterschool, Portumna
  • Tuam Community Childcare
  • Wiz Kidz Preschool, Tuam

Minister Canney said: “This is a very welcome investment in children’s health and wellbeing. For many families, especially in disadvantaged areas, the cost of nutritious lunches can be a challenge. Bia Blasta will not only ensure that children receive healthy meals but will also support them in learning about good nutrition in a fun and engaging way. I am delighted to see so many Galway East services included in the first roll-out. This will make a real difference to children, parents, and early years educators right across the region.”

The Bia Blasta programme will also provide up to €1,000 per service in 2025 to purchase essential equipment – such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers, hobs, and ovens – to support delivery of the scheme.

 

All Galway Services Benefiting from Bia Blasta

• Athenry Community Childcare

• Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group

• Ballinasloe Social Services Preschool

• Ballyconneely Community Playgroup & Afterschool Service

• Bright Sparks Claddagh Afterschool

• Bright Sparks Montessori

• Cleggan/Claddaghduff Playgroup

• Happyfeet Pre-school & After-school

• Headstart Montessori School

• Ionad Cúram Leanaí na Cheathrún Rua

• Kidzone

• Kiltormer Breakfast and Afterschool Club

• Little All Stars Montessori & Creche

• Naionra Leitir Meallain

• Naíolann na nOileán

• Naíonra an Chnoic Tir an Fhia

• Naíonra Ard Mhór

• Naíonra Chárna

• Naíonra Leitir Móir

• Naíonra Ros Muc

• Presentation Preschool

• Rainbow Community Childcare

• Sign Out Afterschools

• Sunflowers Creche & Preschool

• The Trinity Den

• Tuam Community Childcare Centre

• Wiz Kidz Preschool