Dublin City Council has begun supplying sunscreen at no cost to the public, with dispensers now installed at selected sites in the city's parks as part of a trial initiative aimed at reducing skin cancer risk.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said: "We have all been enjoying some fun with the great weather lately and long may it continue, but there is a serious aspect to all this that everyone needs to consider and that is our skin. It's very important that everyone wears sunscreen to protect themselves. I am delighted that Dubliners will soon be able to avail of free sunscreen in our parks and I would encourage everyone to do so."

The concept for the free sunscreen scheme originated with the Irish Cancer Society. Kevin O'Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said: "Nearly nine out of every ten 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, whether at 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. Free sunscreen dispensers in parks across Dublin city will make a real difference and will encourage more people to protect their skin - without the barrier of cost. We want to commend Dublin City Council on taking this step forward and call on other local authorities to follow suit."

Pictured are Lord Mayor Daryl Barron and Dublin City Council Head of Parks Les Moore beside a dispenser in St Anne's Park.

Locations:

Northside of the city:

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



Southside of the city:

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 4