SDCC provides free sanitary products to tackle period poverty

South Dublin County Council to provide free sanitary products to tackle period poverty

Products to be available in County Hall, Tallaght and Civic Centre, Clondalkin.

South Dublin County Council launched a new initiative on Friday, 8 March, that will provide free sanitary products in public toilets at Council offices.

This is in response to a campaign by the Homeless Period Ireland organisation to combat ‘Period Poverty’ that works to support girls and women who require sanitary products but are unable to afford them. The pilot initiative was launched in County Hall, Tallaght on International Women’s Day by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Mark Ward.

Period poverty is when a person struggles or is unable to access sanitary products due to financial constraints. Not having the money for sanitary items can force people to use makeshift and inadequate protection.  In Ireland, 50% of girls aged 12-19 responded to say they have experienced issues in paying for sanitary products, according to Plan International.

Mayor Ward said “Providing free sanitary products helps to restore dignity to women. It also helps to break down the stigma around periods. The provision of sanitary products in public buildings is a recognition that the products are a necessity and not a luxury. I am delighted that South Dublin County Council are teaming up with Homeless Period Ireland to supply free sanitary products in County Hall Tallaght and the Clondalkin Civic Offices. This is a project I have worked on for some time and I am thrilled to able to launch it on International Women’s Day”

Claire Hunt who runs Homeless Period Ireland said "Periods happen every month and unless you are experiencing it, it’s not at the forefront of people’s minds”

“The aim of Homeless Period Ireland is to donate feminine hygiene products, such as pads, tampons, liners and wipes, to those who otherwise would go without.  The donations are brought by volunteer drivers to Homeless Outreach Centres, Direct Provision Centres and Women’s Refuges. The HPI is an initiative, not a charity and is 100% reliant on volunteers for distribution and collection of sanitary products.”

Female sanitary products will be available in the publically accessible toilets in both County Hall, Tallaght and Clondalkin Civic Offices from Friday 8 March 2019. Items can be taken free of charge when needed.

For the full press release and notes to the editor, please visit our press release page here