Bia Blasta initiative to benefit 16 childcare services across Limerick city

PRESCHOOL children across Limerick city will now benefit from free lunches under the new Bia Blasta scheme.

Bia Blasta is a €4.2 million targeted programme that will provide nutritious daily lunches to 25,000 preschool children in disadvantaged areas. The scheme is part of Equal Start, delivering real support where it’s needed most.

Fianna Fáil Senator, Dee Ryan has welcomed this news from her colleague Minister Norma Foley.

Speaking on the launch of the scheme, Senator Ryan said: “Child food poverty is a huge issue that we must tackle. Through this targeted initiative, 16 childcare services across Limerick city will now be supported to provide nutritious lunches to preschool children on a daily basis."

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Senator Ryan added: “This initiative will help children in so many ways. It will help them in their growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and help them learn about and enjoy healthy food. It will also ease some financial pressure of purchasing lunches for families. This can only be welcome at a time of grocery inflation."

“Preschoolers right across the city from Castletroy View Montessori to Moyross Integrated Childcare and Lyons Den at Salesians primary school will now all benefit from full bellies thanks to this great initiative to bring free lunches to this younger bracket of children."

A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the targeted programme in 2025 and €1m is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme. This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven, ensuring access to the scheme is made easier for participants.

Senator Ryan said Fianna Fáil is serious about tackling child food poverty, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child the best start in life.

“We’re committed to ensuring every child the best start in life. We are leaving no stone unturned on this issue, and this targeted initiative today will benefit thousands of children who need it most.”

The list of services included across Limerick city are detailed below:

Castletroy View Montessori, Castle Creche, Castleconnell, Curious Minds at Presentation Primary School, Cute & Clever Playschool, Family Tree Creche, Happy Times Preschool, Nursery Times, Learning for Life Montessori School, Limerick Social Service Council Ltd. (LSSC) - Early Years Service, Lyons Den Salesians primary school, Lyons Den - St John's Girls' and Infant Boys' Primary School, Moyross Integrated Childcare Services, Northside Family Resource Centre (FRC), Our Lady of Lourdes Childworld Creche, Our Lady Queen of Peace Pre-school and Respond Early Years Service.