Dublin City Council to Provide Free Sunscreen in 12 Parks to Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Dublin: Dublin City Council is launching a pilot initiative to provide free sunscreen to the public at 12 parks and outdoor recreational areas across the city as part of a campaign to promote sun safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Under the trial scheme, sunscreen will be available through public dispensers installed at each location. A council spokesperson said the initiative was introduced following a proposal from the Irish Cancer Society.

Parks Included in the Pilot Scheme

Free sunscreen dispensers will be installed at:

• 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

• 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

Raising Awareness of Skin Cancer

The initiative comes as skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with approximately 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year. According to health experts, around 90% of skin cancer cases are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds.

Dublin City Council said the project aims to encourage the public to adopt better sun protection habits while enjoying outdoor spaces.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron said protecting the skin should be a priority whenever people spend time outdoors during sunny weather.

He encouraged the public to make sunscreen a routine part of their outdoor activities and welcomed the introduction of the free dispensers across the city.

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said practising sun safety is essential both in Ireland and when travelling abroad.

He noted that many people in Ireland have fair skin, making them more susceptible to sunburn and significantly increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.

O’Hagan praised Dublin City Council for introducing the pilot programme, saying the free sunscreen dispensers would help improve public awareness and encourage healthier sun protection practices.

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