Cork City Council to provide free sunscreen as temperatures soar

Cork City Council is to roll out free sunscreen dispensers from Monday, July 14, across four locations in the city centre.

Free sunscreen dispensers will be available at Marina Park (adjacent to the new playground at Holland Park and in the vicinity of Central Hall), Fitzgerald’s Park (adjacent to the main playground and adjacent to the Sky Garden), Clashduv Park (adjacent to the playground/community garden), and at Meelick (adjacent to the playground).

The move is timely, with Met Éireann issuing high temperature warnings for this weekend, and the Irish Cancer Society is warning that seven in 10 people say sunscreen is too expensive, while one in 10 say they don’t apply it because they can’t afford it.

In its 2026 pre-budget submission, the Irish Cancer Society has made a direct appeal to local authorities across the country to allocate funding for free sunscreen dispensers.

The charity added that these should be made available across parks, playgrounds, beaches and local sunspots.

UV rays

Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager with the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Nearly nine out of every 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.

“Sun safety is vital and that means protecting your skin, wherever you are, home or abroad. With most Irish people having fair skin, this will burn much quicker at soaring temperatures, and this greatly increases the risk of skin cancer.

Mr O’Hagan added: “In our 2026 pre-budget submission, we’re calling for city and county councils, especially those in coastal areas that are known sun destinations, to provide free sunscreen dispensers.

“We want to commend Cork City Council on taking this step forward and call on other local authorities to follow suit.”

Anyone with concerns about their skin health can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on 1800 200 700, or visit https://www.cancer.ie.