Cork City Council has launched a groundbreaking public health initiative, installing free sunscreen dispensers across four city parks to help residents protect themselves from harmful UV rays and reduce skin cancer risk.
The pilot programme, developed in partnership with HSE Southwest and the National Cancer Control Programme, will see SPF sunscreen freely available at Marina Park (adjacent to the new playground at Holland Park and in the vicinity of Central Hall), Meelick Park, Clashduv Park, and Fitzgerald’s Park over the coming week.
The initiative forms part of the national Healthy Ireland SunSmart campaign, which promotes five essential sun safety behaviours: Slip on clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.
Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy welcomed the programme, sharing his personal perspective on sun protection importance.
“As someone who has been advised to wear sun protection all year round, I know how vital it is to take sun safety seriously. Whether you’re out for a spontaneous walk, or out in the park with family, or simply forgot your sunscreen at home, having free suncream available in public places makes it easier for everyone to make a healthier choice,” he said.
“The Cork City Sun Smart project removes a major barrier by making protection accessible to everyone, but this isn’t just about convenience; it’s a meaningful public health measure that shows Cork is taking sun safety seriously, and for those of us who have to think about this every day, it’s a gesture that shows sun safety is being taken seriously at a city wide level.”
The timing couldn’t be more crucial, with skin cancer representing Ireland’s most common cancer diagnosis.
Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Service for Health Wellbeing & Strategy at HSE Southwest, highlighted the stark statistics behind the initiative.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with an average of 12,668 new cases diagnosed each year between 2018 and 2028, including both melanoma and non-melanoma types. Making sunscreen dispensers available in various settings helps create an environment that supports regular sun-safe behaviour, reducing the risk of skin cancer for everyone.”
Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the HSE National Cancer Control Programme, emphasised the importance of building lifelong protective habits.
“Increasing the availability and accessibility of sun safety protections, such as sunscreen, in a variety of settings can help reduce the risk for skin cancer. Applying sunscreen is part of the SunSmart sun protection behaviours and should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade,” she explained.
Establishing good sun protection habits early on is important, as behaviours learned at a young age are more likely to be adopted for life. We can all protect our skin and enjoy the outdoors by following the simple Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s.”
The dispensers represent a practical solution to a common problem: forgetting sun protection when heading outdoors spontaneously or for extended periods in Cork’s increasingly popular green spaces.