Dublin City Council is launching a pilot initiative to provide free sunscreen to members of the public through dispensers located in 12 parks across the city, according to a municipal spokesperson. The scheme aims to promote sun safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer in Ireland, where skin cancer is recorded as the most common cancer with approximately 13,000 cases diagnosed each year. Nearly nine out of ten cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds, based on council and health figures.
Health Context and the Push for Sun Safety
The initiative arrives as local officials highlight the risks associated with UV exposure. According to a spokesperson, the idea for the free sunscreen scheme originated from the Irish Cancer Society. Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager at the Irish Cancer Society, stated that sun safety is vital for protecting skin at home or abroad. O’Hagan noted that most Irish people have fair skin, which burns much quicker and greatly increases the risk of skin cancer. He stated that the dispensers across Dublin city will make a real difference by encouraging more people to protect their skin without the barrier of cost, while commending Dublin City Council and calling on other local authorities to follow suit.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron remarked on the timing of the rollout. While noting that people have been enjoying good weather, Barron emphasized the serious aspect of skin health. He stated that he is delighted Dubliners will soon be able to avail of free sunscreen in local parks.
Free Sunscreen Dispenser Locations Across Dublin
The pilot program places dispensers across 12 specific parks on both the northside and southside of Dublin city. The designated locations are divided across the urban areas:
Northside of the City:
Albert College Park, Dublin 11
Blessington Basin Park, Dublin 7
Bull Island/Dollymount, Dublin 5
John Paul Park, Dublin 7
Johnstown Park, Dublin 11
St Anne’s Park, Dublin 5
Southside of the City:
Bushy Park, Dublin 6
Eamonn Ceannt Park, Dublin 12
Herbert Park, Dublin 4
La Fanu Park, Dublin 10
St Patrick’s Park, Dublin 8
Sandymount Strand, Dublin 4
Future Outlook for the Pilot Scheme
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