As the Republic of Ireland rolls out free sunscreen dispensers across major public parks and bathing areas this summer , leading skin and laser expert Eavanna Breen is welcoming the initiative while issuing a stark warning: sunscreen alone is not enough to protect the Irish public.
With over 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, Ireland currently holds the highest incidence rate in Europe. While the new 2026 rollout in locations such as Marlay Park, People’s Park, and Killiney Hill is a landmark step in tackling "sunscreen poverty" , Breen argues that the "Slop" is ineffective without the other four pillars of protection.
Eavanna Breen, founder of the Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic, comments:
"The implementation of public dispensers is a fantastic victory for accessibility, especially given that many find high-SPF products prohibitively expensive. However, we cannot let this lead to a false sense of security. Sunscreen is a 'backup' and a last line of defense, not a total solution. If we want to change our melanoma statistics, we need to stop treating sun safety as an optional extra and start treating it as a cultural necessity, just as they do in Australia."
Breen is calling for Ireland to adopt the Australian “SunSmart” routine, a 40-year-old cultural movement that has successfully made having a tan "uncool" by framing it as visible skin damage.
The Australian Standard: What Ireland Needs to Learn
Breen highlights that in Australia, the routine is strictly enforced through programs like "No Hat, No Play" in schools and workplace safety laws. To ensure safety this summer, she recommends the Irish public adopt the full 5 S’s:
SLIP on sun-protective clothing that is "long and loose".
SLOP on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes before going out, reapplying every two hours.
SLAP on a broad-brimmed or bucket hat. Breen warns that baseball caps, a favorite in Ireland, are officially discouraged in Australia because they leave the ears and neck exposed.
SEEK shade as the primary defense, especially between 11 am and 3 pm.
SLIDE on sunglasses that actually block UV rays rather than just being dark.
The "UV 3" Rule
A critical gap in Irish sun safety is the reliance on temperature rather than UV levels. Recent data shows that 84% of Gen Z in Ireland experienced sunburn in the past year.
"We need to stop waiting for a 'heatwave' to protect ourselves," Breen adds. "In Australia, sun protection is mandated whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, regardless of whether it feels hot. Even on a gray, overcast day in Dublin, the UV index can reach dangerous levels. We need to move beyond the hardware of dispensers and install the 'SunSmart' practise in our daily habits."
