Dublin councillors push for free sunscreen in parks as council warns of vandalism risks
Calls have been made to install free sunscreen dispensers in Dublin parks following pilot schemes launched by other local authorities.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councill (DLRCC) installed free SPF sunscreen dispensers in seven public parks across the county in April.
Off the back of that, motions were brought before the July meetings in Fingal County Council (FCC) and South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to replicate the move.
DLRCC installed dispensers in Marlay Park, Blackrock Park, Cabinteely Park, People’s Park, Killiney Hill Park, Fernhill Park and Shanganagh Park. Cork City Council is also trialling the initiative.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, nearly nine in 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or the use of sunbeds.
Both the FCC and SDCC said they would monitor the results of the existing pilot schemes over the summer before considering whether to allocate funding for similar dispensers in future budgets.
However, Fingal County Council warned that previous experience with public health dispensers in outdoor settings highlighted significant challenges.
“The Council has however, recent experience of trialling hand sanitisers in public parks during the Covid epidemic and found the units extremely prone to vandalism and difficult to maintain in an open public realm environment,” the local authority said in a written response.
“All of the units were broken within a short period, and a decision was made that it was not a practical or viable initiative.”
Meanwhile, speaking at the July meeting of South Dublin County Council, Fianna Fáil councillor Emma Murphy said the proposal was especially relevant following the recent spell of warm weather.
She also said cost remained a barrier for many households.
“If it’s not affordable, it’s not going to be relevant to somebody, and they’re not going to prioritise getting sunscreen over their groceries. So if we have this available in our parks, we’re providing a public service as well,” she said.
“Given the increased temperatures at the moment — this is probably the hottest summer we’ve ever had, with records being broken across the country — I think we need to future-proof in this sense as well,” Cllr Murphy added.
People enjoy the good weather at Seapoint beach in South Dublin.
Supporting the proposal, Independent councillor Liona O’Toole said sunscreen dispensers would complement existing facilities already available in council parks.
“Something like this would definitely complement what South Dublin is already doing, where our water stations are all over our parks,” she said.
“There is the affordability aspect, which is quite rightly mentioned, but there is also the practicality of it. Even if you can afford sunscreen, you might not have it with you when you’re out in the park without shade. It’s a really good pilot to have here.”
In their written response, South Dublin County Council said guidance from the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme is “clear” that sunscreen should not be relied upon as the sole form of protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
“It should be used alongside other protective measures, including appropriate clothing and the provision or use of shade,” the council added.