Free menstrual products in public buildings
Pictured at the launch of the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative in the Carlow Town Hall (back l/r) Dermot Mulligan curator Carlow Museum, Donna Humphreys community Carlow County Council, Grainne O’Neill integration support coordinator, Carlow County Council, Coilín O Reilly chief executive Carlow County Council, Deborah Foley Sports Partnership coordinator, Carlow County Council, cllr Fintan Phelan mayor of Carlow, Patricia Duffe Carlow PPN coordinator, Aisling Dollard CYPSC coordinator Carlow, Amy Brophy Carlow Regional Youth Services, Barry Knowles SEO Carlow County Council, Fiona O’Toole Carlow library Carlow County Council, (front l/r) cllr Andrea Dalton, cllr Tommy Kinsella leas cathaoirlach Carlow County Council, Martina Walsh Healthy Carlow coordinator, Carlow County Council and Michael Brennan director of services, Carlow County Council Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
CARLOW County Council has launched the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative, a programme offering free menstrual products through no-cost dispensers in publicly accessible buildings across the county.
The scheme, which began on Tuesday 21 January, represents the local authority’s latest effort to alleviate period poverty and promote health, dignity and equality.
Speaking at the launch, Coilin O’Reilly, chief executive of Carlow County Council, emphasised that the initiative is more than just distributing necessary products. “By ensuring that period products are freely available, we are helping to break down the barriers that many people face when it comes to their menstrual health,” he said. “We are saying that no-one should have to face period poverty.” The programme is supported by the Department of Health and forms part of the county’s broader commitment to addressing the challenges posed by inadequate access to menstrual products. According to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2022, 24% of women experience at least one indicator of period poverty, with 14% of women aged over 25 reporting having to use materials not intended for menstrual use. These findings underscore the need for accessible solutions.
Free product dispensers are now located in a range of key venues, including Carlow County Council County Building, Carlow Town Hall, Carlow Enterprise House, Carlow County Museum and Library, Bagenalstown Library, Borris Library, Tullow Library, Duckett’s Grove, New Oak Community Centre and Forward Steps Family Resource Centre.
This wide coverage aims to ensure that individuals throughout the county can access supplies without stigma or financial burden.
Leas-cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Tommy Kinsella, welcomed the move, stressing that everyone – whether “a student, a mother, a worker, or someone in between” – should have equitable access to necessary products.
Healthy Carlow and Carlow County Council say they plan to expand the initiative in 2025.
They invite local buildings already offering free period products to join, receive promotional materials and boost awareness of the cause. For more information, contact Carlow County Council’s Community Section on 059 9170321.
