COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2026

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor E. Murphy

That this Council requests the Chief Executive to install sunscreen dispensers in each park in South Dublin County

REPORT:

By way of background, a number of local authorities have recently introduced sunscreen dispensers in public parks on a pilot basis. Cork City Council, in partnership with the HSE South West and the National Cancer Control Programme, launched a pilot initiative in July 2025 providing free sunscreen dispensers in four city parks.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council also announced the roll-out of free sunscreen dispensers across seven principal public parks in April 2026, as part of a broader public health and prevention initiative developed in association with the Irish Cancer Society.

Public health guidance from the HSE National Cancer Control Programme is clear that sunscreen should not be regarded as the sole protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation. It should be used alongside other protective measures, including appropriate clothing and the provision or use of shade. In this context, natural shade through tree planting and park design is already considered in the development and enhancement of park infrastructure.

SDCC has contacted the relevant local authorities and partner organisations to obtain further information on the implementation, promotion, operation and ongoing maintenance of these schemes. Subject to the outcome of these pilot initiatives, and to assessment of the associated operational and resource implications, the Council will give further consideration to the potential introduction of a similar programme in SDCC parks as part of the budget process.