A total of 29,000 children in 168 additional primary schools will have access to hot school meals from September.
The new schools are in every county and brings to 2,200 the number of schools in the scheme.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said she hoped to complete the roll out to all remaining primary schools in the country as part of Budget 2025.
There are approximately 1,000 schools left that are not in the scheme and they have been asked to apply.
Ms Humphreys said: "I firmly believe the roll out of hot school meals to every primary school in the country will be one of the lasting legacies of this Government."
Some elements of the scheme have been criticised, such as the nutrition content of the food provided by some suppliers, or the amount of waste packaging generated.
One teacher told RTÉ News in June: "During the school day, children are being provided with some of the exact foods that we know are driving poor health outcomes and our obesity epidemic."
But the scheme has been broadly welcomed.
"Hot School Meals is an extremely positive programme to have been developed and expanded over the last number of years," said Barnardos National Policy Manager Stephen Moffatt.
"It ensures that children are getting at least one hot and nutritious meal a day which can help improve concentration when learning in school as well as help with social development.
"Additionally, it can take substantial financial pressure off some parents, meaning it is one less meal they have to pay for and prepare. For those on the edge of deprivation it can make a big difference in their ability to afford essentials.
"Parents we support have often spoken extremely highly of programme and talked about the benefits it brings to them and their children."
