Minister Foley launches €4.2 million Bia Blasta lunch scheme for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas
- Published on: 14 August 2025
- Last updated on: 15 August 2025
The Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley TD today announced the launch of Bia Blasta (Delicious Food), the pre-school nutrition programme, to provide daily lunches for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas.
Around €4.2 million in funding will be provided to ensure that 25,000 children get a nutritious meal while attending early learning and care services with the highest concentrations of disadvantage in the country.
It will tackle child food poverty, reducing the risk of children going hungry or missing meals. It will also ensure they learn about and enjoy nutritious foods, with the help of a dedicated dietitian to advise and support participating services.
Mealtimes will be provided within a learning framework that builds children’s experiences of nutritious foods, along with the experience of preparing, sharing, and clearing up after meals.
This is the latest initiative under the Equal Start funding model, which provides universal and targeted measures for children in disadvantaged areas in early learning and care and school-age childcare.
Announcing the new Bia Blasta programme, Minister Foley said:
“There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will combat the risk of hunger as well as improving their attention levels and overall wellbeing.
Bia Blasta is another very positive initiative under the Equal Start model, which is delivering crucial supports to children attending early learning and care and school age childcare in disadvantaged areas.
My special thanks to all of the dedicated early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners working to deliver this model.
A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €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.
Bia Blasta will be provided to all existing Equal Start-funded services in the free, universal two-year preschool Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE). This is expected to cater for around 15,000 children
In addition to these existing services with a priority designation under Equal Start, the Equal Start Identification Model will be drawn upon to target additional ECCE- only services that are serving high numbers of children experiencing disadvantage . This is expected to cater for another 10,000 children.
All early learning and care and school-age childcare services in Ireland are required by legislation to provide meals, with the type and frequency of meals dependent on the hours per day a child attends. Children in full day care (over 5 hours) must, for example, receive 2 meals and 2 snacks each day by regulation whereas children in the 3-hour free pre-school programme typically bring lunch boxes from home.
The Bia Blasta programme will be the first time that dedicated funding is provided for children who attend the 3-hour free pre-school programme, and who typically bring lunch boxes from home.
Notes
Carlow
Service Name
Anne's Montessori Playschool
Apple Tree Pre-School
Askea Community Childcare Centre
Dolmen Nursery
Kilkenny Road Community Childcare & Family Centre
Little Fairies Early Learning Centre
Respond Early Years Service, Slaney View
St. Catherines Community Services Centre
Stepping Stones Community Childcare Service
Cavan
Service Name
Bailieborough Resource Hse
Circle of Friends Childcare Services
Claddagh Childcare Limited
Cootehill Community Childcare
KraftyKidz Daisy Hill
Tullacmongan Childcare Service
Clare
Service Name
Cairde Beag Kilrush
Curious Minds Quilty
FunScoil Deilfeanna Beaga
Josie's Montessori
Little Acorns Pre-School
Ms Gráinnes Holy Family Montessori School
Naíonra Ui Choimin
Nicole's Kidz Klub
Obair Newmarket on Fergus CLG (24CE0288)
Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus CLG (09CE0105)
Redeemer Preschool
Respond Early Years Service, Stonecourt
RTB Preschool
Scariff Playgroup
St Senans Montessori
Sunshine Montessori School
Woodstock Montessori School
Cork City
Service Name
Baile Beag
Barnardos Brighter Futures
Bessborough Centre Creche
Blossom Grove
Bright Start ELC Ltd.
first friends rathpeacon pre school
Glenfields Community Childcare
Glentrasna Preschool
Hollyhill Knocknaheeny Family Centre
Lotamore Family Resource Centre & Preschool
Mahon Community Development Project
Mayfield Community Pre school
Mount Eden Montessori
Muin Preschool
Na Paisti Mor
Newbury House Family Centre
Northside Community Enterprises Ltd. t/a Little Hands Childcare & Education Centre
Paisti
Páisti @ No. 3
Respond Early Years Service, Millpark
Scoil Ursula Creche ( BOM)
St Mary’s on the Hill National School BOM
St. Patrick's Preschool and After School CareService
Stepping Stones
Sunday's Well Montessori
Tír na nÓg Glen Community Creche
Tír na nÓg Montessori School
Togher Family Centre
TVG Goras Community Childcare
County Cork
Service Name
ANCHOR PLAYSCHOOL
Busy Bees
Carleton Wharf Pre-School
Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre CLG
Catherines Playschool
CHERRYBLOSSOMS CHILDCARE LISGRIFFIN
Countryside Before and Afterschool Service
Curious Minds Millstreet
Curious Minds Tullylease
Fermoy Community Preschool and Afterschool CLG
Liscarroll Community Care Playschool
Oasis Playroom
Respond Early Years Service, Oakfield Close
Riverside House Montessori School
Sherpa Kids Bunscoil Mhuire Youghal (BMSY)
Youghal Family Resource Initiative 2
Donegal
Service Name
ABC Centre
Amanda's Cots 'N' Tots
Aurora's Hobbits Limited
Bizzy Bee's
Bocan Community
Bright Beginnings Preschool
Buncrana Community Playgroup
Busy Bee Playschool
Cara House Children's Centre
Clonmany Community Montessori
Convoy Playgroup
CPI Community Childcare (19DL0255)
CPI Community Childcare (13DL0179)
Crossroads & Killygordan Community Playgroup Ltd
Donagh Creche Ltd
Footprints Montessori Pre-School
Kiddlywinks Childcare
Lamha Beaga Montessori
Little Acorns Montessori Playschool
Little Acorns Nursery & Montessori Playschool, Acorns Afterschool
Little Acorns Playgroup
Little Smarties
Little Stars Preschool
Magic Moments
Manorcunnigham Community Childcare Centre Ltd
Milford Community Playgroup
Naíonra Ailt a Chorráin
Naíonra an Chlochán Liath
Naíonra An Fálcarrach
Naíonra Bhaile na Finne
Naíonra Ghleann Cholmcille
Naíonra Gort a Choirce
Naíonra na Crannóige
Newtowncunningham Morning and Afterschool Club
Raphoe Community Playgroups Ltd
Ray Montessori
Ready Steady Grow
Rosie and Jim's
Shelly's Academy Ltd.
Sli An Eolais
Smart Steps Raphoe
Spraoi Le Cheile/ Ionad Curam Paisti
St. Gabriels Pre-school
Stepping Stones Playgroup
T/A Kiddies Corner Community Playgroup
The Doorway Project 2
The Learning Tree
Tír na nÓg Naíonra
Dublin City
Service Name
An Cosan Early Years - Colaiste Eanna
Apple of My Eye
Axis Creche
Babes in the Woods Creche
Ballyfermot Centre for Children, Young People and Families
Ballymun East Community Centre Ltd
Barnardos Finglas Early Intervention Service
Baron's Playschool
Best Start Preschool Afterschool Donnycarney
Blooming Lillies Early Education Centre
Bonnybrook Early Education Centre
Bunratty Community Childcare Centre Ltd
Buttons Community Playschool
Carrs Child & Family Services CLG
Cherryorchard Community Childcare Service Ltd
Children's Project
Community After School Project
Connolly Children's Centre Ltd
Creative Kids and Co
D7 Afterschool Care
Darndale/Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service
Dolphin Creche
Dolphins Early Education and Childcare Centre
Doras Bui
Eala Og Childcare Centre
Early Days/School St After Schools
Fatima Childrens Day Care Centre
FCC - Oak Tree Creche
FCC Willow Tree Creche
Fionn Ghlas Early Years Hub
Footprints Early Years Ltd (18DY0754)
Footprints Early Years Ltd (19DY0790)
Fountain Resource Group Wee Tots
Garden of Eden
Glenhill Community Playgroup
Goldenbridge ECDS
Griffith Community Playgroup
Happyway Creche and Pre School
Hope Childcare
Hyde & Seek Childcare Ltd
Hyde and Seek Childcare Ltd (Tolka Road)
Hyde and Seek Glasnevin
Inchicore Community Creche & Afterschool
Kids Inc Liberty Park
Kidz First
Kilbarrack Community Childcare Services Ltd t/a Lir childcare Centre
Kilmore West Community Playgroup
Larkin Childcare Facility
Larkin Early Education Service
Learn and Play Preschool and Afterschool Company Limited By Guarantee (16DY0672, Priorswood)
Little Bells
Little Footprints Montessori
Little Learners Creche
Little People's Academy
Little Rainbows (Main Street Belmayne)
Little Stars
Little Treasures Community Creche
Little Treasures Preschool Playgroup (12DY0506, Bluebell Community Centre)
Little Treasures Preschool Playgroup (17DY0704, 50 La Touche Road)
LittleStars Childcare
Lorcan Montessori
Loreto Preschool Crumlin
Lullabys Afterschool
Lycs First Step Creche
Marist Creche
Mead Day Care Centre
Mellow Spring Childcare Centre
Mercy Family Centre Ltd
Naionra an T-Seachtar Laoch
Naíonra Glór na nGael
Naíonra Uí Earcáin
One Step Ahead Preschool
Our Lady's Nursery
Ozanam House Childcare Centre
PH Montessori t/a Little Steps Preschool
Pitter Patter Community Creche and Playgroup
Pop Up Preschool
Poppintree Early Education Centre Ltd
Precious Children Daycare
Precious Children Daycare ltd
Realt Beag Ballyfermot STAR
Robert Emmet CDP Afterschool
Saint Ultans Childcare Project
Saol Beag
Scallywags Creche
Small Steps (24DY0894, Mount Argus)
Sophia Nurturing Centre Cork Street
St Audoen's Pre-school
St Benedict's Creche
St Brigids Day Nursery
St Finbars Playschool
St Helenas Childcare Centre Ltd
St Louise's ECDS
St Mary's Early Years Service
St Matthews Community Playgroup
St Michaels Preschool & Afterschool Service
St Raphael's Preschool & Afterschool Project
St Vincent's ECDS
St. Andrew's Childcare Centre
St. Joseph's ECDS
Stepping Stones
Teanga Beo Baile Formaid Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Rathaiochta
The Family Resource Centre Creche and Afterschool
The Kids Den Preschool Limited
Tigers Childcare- Glasnevin
Tiny Toes Creche
Tír na nÓg Early Childhood Development Service
Tír na nÓg Early Childhood Care & Education Centre
Tracey's Tots Preschool
Treasure Tots Nursery
Woodlands Creche
YMCA Childcare
Dublin South
Service Name
An Cosán Early Years - Jobstown
An Cosán Early Years - St. Anne's
An Turas
Ballyboden Family Centre - Scoil Mhuire Pre-School
Ballyboden's Children's Centre
BARNARDOS MILLBROOK FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Choice Childcare
Deansrath Family Centre
Deansrath Family Centre Play and Development
Early Steps Pre-school
First Steps Early Education Centre
Glenview Montessori Pre-School
Honeybears Creche
Jadd Childcare Service
Kilnamanagh Kids Creche & Montessori School
Leap Frog @ The Park
Loreto Playgroup Ltd
Mary Prior
Mrs Giggles
Mrs Giggles at Lilyput Lane
Naíonra Chaitlín Maude
Naíonra Santain Teoranta
Oakview Village Clondalkin
Respond Early Years Service, Ard Mor
Ronanstown Community Childcare Centre
Ronanstown W CDP Creche
Rowlagh Parish Playgroup
Rowlagh Women's Group
St Louise's Playschool
St Marks Preschool
St. Kevins Childcare Centre
StartBright Balgaddy
StartBright Bawnogue
StartBright Brookview
StartBright Deansrath
StartBright Greenhills
StartBright St Ronan’s
Super Stars ELC
Tallaght Childcare Centre
Tigers Childcare- Belgard Square
Toddling Tots
Young Explorers' Preschoool
Youth Horizons Ltd
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
Service Name
Barnardos - Loughlinstown
Barnardos - Tivoli
Basement Project Company Ltd. t/a Mounttown Early Years Service
Blackrock Community Playgroup
Hillview Community Resource Centre
Lakelands Preschool
Shanganagh Park House
Fingal
Service Name
Ashleigh House Pre-School & Creche
Barnardos Early Years Service
Blakestown & Mountview NYP
Busy Bees Pre-school
Corduff Childcare Servicec Ltd
Homestart Creche
Hope Childcare
Kids Zone
Little Cherubs Montessori
Little Learners Creche
Little Wonders Preschool
Market Green Montessori
Mini Manners Preschool
Phoenix Childcare Huntstown
Ready Steady Learn
Sophia Nurturing Centre Donabate
The Jolly Tots
The Kids Den 2
The Little Learners Corner
Galway
Service Name
Athenry Community Childcare
Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group
Ballinasloe Social Services Preschool
Ballyconneely Community Playgroup & Afterschool Service
Bright Sparks Montessori
Cleggan/Claddaghduff Playgroup
Happyfeet Pre-school & After-school
Headstart Montessori School
Ionad Cúram Leanaí na Cheathrún Rua
Kidzone
Little All Stars Montessori & Creche
Naíolann na nOileán
Naíonra an Chnoic Tir an Fhia
Naíonra Ard Mhór
Naíonra Chárna
Naionra Leitir Meallain
Naíonra Leitir Móir
Naíonra Ros Muc
Presentation Preschool
Rainbow Community Childcare
Sunflowers Creche & Preschool
Tuam Community Childcare Centre
Wiz Kidz Preschool
Kerry
Service Name
Ballyspillane Childcare Service
Brookview Childcare
Buddies Creche & Childcare Facility
Cre-8-Tive Corner Childcare
Cumann Iosaef Community Preschool and Afterschool
Curam Leanaí Na Dromoda
Curious Minds Lyreacrumpane FDC
DSCSO LTD, trading as Kilflynn Preschool & Afterschool
Killorglin Family Resource Centre TA Laune Childcare Services
Listowel Family Resource Centre
Little House Montessori
Little Leaders
Maureen's Childcare Centre
Mounthawk Montessori School & Busy Bees Nursery
Muire Gan Smal
Naionra Na Dromoda
Pebbles Preschool
St Brigid's Community Centre
Tigh na Leanai
Tus Nua Montessori
Valentia Island Resource & Childcare Centre
Wise Owl Shanakill
Kildare
Service Name
Churchtown stepping stones
Happy Days Community Childcare.
Memory Lane Preschool LTD
Newbridge Family Resource Centre
Shining Stars Academy
Shining Stars Academy Glebelands
Shining Stars Homework Club
Sugradh Kilberry
Tiny Tots Childcare
Wigwams Childcare
Kilkenny
Service Name
Ballyraggett Community Playgroup
Croía Early Childcare Education & Afterschool Care
Deenside Early Years
Droichead Childcare
Kilkenny Community Early Years Project
Larc Community Pre-school
Little Steps Country Creche
Natures Way Goresbridge
The Growing Patch Childcare Centre
The Learning Tree
Thomastown Creche & Montessori School
Urlingford Community Childcare Service
Urlingford preschool for little learners Ltd
Laois
Service Name
Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Centre CLG
Kiddiecare Early Years Childcare
Laois International School
Lisgorm services ltd t/a Leanbh mo Chroi
Majella's Montessori School
Maples 2
O'Moore Place Childcare
Ria's Kids Academy
Suaimhneas Community Childcare
The Hive @ Maples
The Orchard Childminding Service
Tots and Co. Playschool
Leitrim
Service Name
Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disability Limited
Kinlough Childcare Ltd
Shannonside Community Childcare Centre
Limerick
Service Name
Abbey Kids
Ardagh Montessori School
Bizzi Kids Limited
Castle Kids
Castletroy View, Montessori
Clever Cats Pre School
Clever Clogs
Curious Minds Abbeyfeale
Cute & Clever Play School
Family Tree Creche
Happy Faces
Happy Times Pre School
Le Cheile School Aged Childcare
Learning for Life Limited
Limerick Social Service Council Ltd
Little Buddies Preschool Abbeyfeale
Little Explorers
Lyons Den Salesian Primary School
Moyross Integrated Childcare Services
Northside FRC
Nursery Times
Our Lady of Lourdes Childworld Creche
Our Lady Queen of Peace Pre School
Patrickswell Community Play-School Ltd.
Presentation Pre School
Respond Early Years Service, Distillery View
Riverside Early Childhood Centre
Scoil Iósaf Pre School and Afterschool
Small World Pre School
Southill Childrens Nursery
St Johns Pre School
St Marys Pre School & Homework Club
St. Anne's Montessori
Stepping stones Preschool
The Beehive Play Learn Grow Ltd
The Child and Family Centre
Longford
Service Name
Bluebells Montessori
Catkins Early Years Service
Granard Community Childcare Facility
Kids Paradise & Montessori - ABC Stonepark
Kidz Demesne Afterschool
Naoí Rath Ré
Springlawn Community Childcare
St. Mary's Childcare Campus Company Limited By Guarantee
Tír na nÓg Preschool
Louth
Service Name
Aunty Paula's Pre-school, Creche
Castletown Girls Preschool
CBS Preschool
Claddagh Treasures
Clever Clogs
Cuddles Creche P AND S LTD
De La Salle preschool
Drogheda Women's & Children's Refuge Centre Company Limited By Guarantee
Dun Dealgan Childcare
Dundalk Creche
Holy Family Parish Community Creche / Claddagh's Treasures
Jellytots daycare LTD
Just Kids Pre-School + Afterschool
Lios na nÓg Playgroup
Little and Big Rascals
Little Partners Creche Ltd
Little steps
MiniMinds Preschool
Moneymore Childcare Centre
Naíonra Dhún Dealgan
Realt na Mara Preschool & Afterschool
Redeemer Creche and Playgroup Ltd
Respond Early Years Service, Tredagh Court
Smart Start
Stepping Stones
The Grove Early Years Education Centre
Mayo
Service Name
Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd
Ballyhaunis Community Preschool
Bangor Erris Children Centre
Barneys Playgroup
Belmont Montessori
Comharchumann, Naionra, Beal An Atha Teo
Footsteps
Haven Community Childcare Centre
Joanna's Preschool
Junior Junction Preschool
Keel Childcare Ltd(Suantrai)
Kiddies Korner
Little VIPs
Making Memories Preschool
Naiona Gleann na Muaidhe
Naionra Acaill
Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta
Naíonra Beal an Muirthead
Naionra Dhun Chaochain
Naíonra Montessori
Naionra Na hEachleime Eachleim
Tír na nÓg
Meath
Service Name
Johnstown Childcare Centre
Leanaí Lomhara Montessori Limited
Liag na Nog
Little Tots Montessori
Mabuhay ECDS
Navan Educate Together Childcare Services
Oakleaves Pre-school
Scallywags Childcare Blackcastle
The Village Preschool and Afterschool, Nobber
Monaghan
Service Name
Laurel Hill Community Childcare
Little Wonders
Teach na bPaisti
Tinys Day Nursery
Tree tops MN childcare ltd
Offaly
Service Name
Castleview Pre-school
Cherrytots Playschool
Daingean Community Childcare Services Ltd.
Kilcormac Community Childcare
LNAN Limited
Mad Hatters Afterschool
Memory Lane Preschool LTD
Playdays Nature School
Pullough Community Pre-school
Rainbowland Childcare
Rainbows and Butterflies Early Learning Centre
Re Scoil Iosagain
Skippy's Creche & Playschool
Sunflowers Shinrone
Tullamore Community Pre-school
Roscommon
Service Name
Castlerea Community Playschool
Frenchpark & Districts Childcare Ltd
Roscommon Community Playgroup
The Growing Tree
The Growing Tree 2
Tir na nÓg Preschool
Toddle In
Sligo
Service Name
Bright Minds
Footprints
Lilliput
Northside Community Playgroup
Sandcastles Quigabar
Sligo Family Support Ltd
Sligo Springboard CLG
Sligo Traveller Support Group Collooney service
Springboard Resource House Project
Tubbercurry FRC
Tipperary
Service Name
Bright Beginnings
Busy Bees
Busy Bees James Street
Buttons & Bows Childminding
Canon Hayes Recreation Centre
Cashel Pre-school Playgroup
Clever Clogs Community Childcare
Clever Clogs Montessori
Clonmel Kidz Afterschool and morning Club Ltd
Daisychain
Daisy's Montessori Playschool
Elm Tree Preschool
Fethard Community Playgroup
First Steps
Ladybirds Pre-School and Childcare Centre
Laethanta Sona Montessori Pre-School
Lamha Beaga
Little Angels Preschool
Little Einsteins
Little Explorers Playschool
Little Learners
Little Rascals Clonoulty
Little Rascals Playgroup
Little Scholars Carrick Playschool Limited
Lunas
Marthas Montessori School
Marthas Montessori School
Montessori, Naionra
Naíonra Dhurlas Éile
Naionra, Lus na Greine
Nanos Nest Playschool
Rainbow Pre-School and Childcare Centre St Marys
Rainbow Pre-School and Childcare Service Dromin
Ready Steady Go Childcare
Respond Early Years Service, Hilltop
Ríocht na nÓg ag Cúl an Tí
Spafield Family Resource Centre
Sparkling Starts
St Mary's Preschool
St. Mary's Montessori School A.M.I
Sugradh Creche
Templemore Community Services Centre Ltd
Templemore Montessori Centre
The Den Montessori Fort Aengus
Thurles Targeted Early Intervention Service
Tiny Tots Pre-school
Tooqinn Kids Club
Treasure Island Childcare
Willisson Preschool
Wonder Years
Waterford
Service Name
An Duine Beag Teoranta
Báile Beag First Steps Creche Ltd
BRIGHT STARS CLONEA
Co. Waterford Community Childcare Facility
Kids at Play
Kilmacthomas Montessori School
Learn Thru' Play ltd.
Little Buddies Creche
Presentation Play School
Respond Early Years Service, Lisduggan
Respond Early Years Service, Tramore
St Brigids Childrens Centre
The Children's House Montessori School
Tiptoes Community Childcare Centre
Waterford Child Care Company Limited By Guarantee
Westmeath
Service Name
Dalton Community House
Grovelands Childcare
Marian Corbett & Valja McCabe Pre School
Na Fea Montessori Preschool
Naionra Lios na Nog
Sarsfield Pre-School
Shannon Pre-School
St. Kierans Childcare Centre
Sundancers Montessori
Sunny Days Playschool
Women's Community Projects (Mullingar) Association CLG
Wexford
Service Name
A Place to Grow, Adamstown
Bellefield Early Years Centre
Clonroche Playschool
Coisceim Montessori School
Cot 2 Crayons
Daisy Daycare Creche & Montessori Ltd
Discoveryland Creche & Montessori
Domhan Beag
Explore and Discover Childcare
FAB Huggie Bears
First Steps Ferns Childcare
Junglebox Childcare Centre
Little Daisies Community Childcare
Little Duckling's Pre-School
Little Treasures Creche
Michael Street Community Preschool
Respond Early Years Service, Daphne View
Scoil Spraoi na Leanai
Stepping Stones Early Years Centre
Teach Spraoi Community Childcare Centre
Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre
Wonderland Childcare Centre
Wicklow
Service Name
Ballons Preschool
Ballyflanigan Montessori
Bellevue Preschool and Afterschool
Bray Family Resource & Development Centre Ltd.
Early Days Academy
Forever Friends Pre-school
Happy Faces community playgroup
Hazelbrook
Kids Aloud
Kidz Ink Childcare
Little Acorns
Little bunnies Montessori
Little Oaks Bray
Little Rascals Playschool
LMNO Childcare
Marian Centre
Marian Centre (Ballywaltrim)
Naionra Lacain
R.O.S Early Years Arklow
St. Fergals Resource Centre
Treasures Montessori