Cork City Council, in partnership with the HSE Southwest and the National Cancer Control Programme, has launched a new public health initiative to provide free sunscreen dispensers in four city parks as part of a pilot programme to promote sun safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Visitors to Marina Park, adjacent to new playground at Holland Park and in the vicinity of Central Hall, Meelick Park, Clashduv Park, and Fitzgerald’s Park, will have access to free SPF sunscreen, encouraging families and individuals to enjoy the outdoors while protecting their skin.
This initiative is part of the Healthy Ireland SunSmart campaign, which promotes five key behaviours to protect against harmful UV rays: Slip on clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.
Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Service for Health Wellbeing & Strategy, HSE Southwest, emphasised the importance of applying sunscreen.
“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,” she said.
