Four public parks in Cork to offer free sunscreen
Labour Councillor John Maher said the cost of sunscreen is a factor in preventing people from using it.
It comes as the Irish Cancer Society says that there is an increased risk of skin cancer amid high temperatures.
It said that according to a survey, seven in ten people find that sunscreen is too expensive.
The charity also says that one in ten people surveyed do not wear sunscreen because they cannot afford it.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Maher said providing sunscreen dispensers was something "that was achievable" and could be delivered at a low cost.
"This is a partnership with the HSE and we're going to share the costs initially and it's going to run to the end of the summer.
"As with all pilots, we're going to see how it goes, we're going to see the usage," he said.
Mr Maher said that because the sunscreen dispensers will be in public parks owned by Cork city, they expect to have good control over the initiative and to be able to manage it well.
He said the sun in Ireland is "still dangerous" and this will provide people with protection. The sunscreen on offer will be factor 50, he added.
"There's a mirror there so that if you are putting it on yourself, you can get all the spots behind your ears and neck and you don't go around with a lot of cream on you," he said.
The sunscreen dispensers will be available at Marina Park, Fitzgerald Park, Clashduv Park and Meelick Park from Monday.
A Status Yellow high temperature warning is in effect for 14 counties, and will be extended countrywide from midday tomorrow.
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