By Irishexaminer.com,Sean O’riordan

Copyright irishexaminer

Kevin Morey, a senior official in the council, confirmed a number of locations for the roll-out after he was asked by Fianna Fáil councillor Gobnait Moynihan about its progress. She was the first person in the local authority to call for the initiative more than four years ago.

Mr Morey said that by the end of September it is envisaged that the free products will be available at municipal-owned swimming pools in Fermoy and Dunmanway.

In addition, they will also be placed at the Michael Collins Museum, Clonakilty; Camden/Fort Meagher in Crosshaven, Skibbereen Heritage Centre and at the Dursey Island Cable Car at Allihies in West Cork.

A number of council offices will also have supplies. These include Annabella House, Mallow; The Mall House, Youghal; The Lodge, Midleton; Macroom Town Hall, Skibbereen Town Hall, Bantry Courthouse and its adjoining council headquarters and the council offices at Kent Street, Clonakilty and in Carrigaline.

Mr Morey said all public libraries in the county have been already stocked with the products as well as the council’s mobile libraries. It is expected that other local authority-owned venues will be added to the list as the roll-out gathers pace.

The news was welcomed by Ms Moynihan who has been campaigning for such a move since first putting forward a motion on the issue at a county council meeting in January 2021.

She said the council’s library services “have been great” by being the first wing of the local authority to provide the vital service. However, she said that far more council buildings, and in particular public toilets, need to be included in the scheme.

“The report mentioned the roll-out occurring in stages so I’m assuming public toilets will be coming in the next phase. But I look at the progress being made to date by the council and I want to welcome that,” Ms Moynihan said.

She has been consistently backed in her calls for the move by Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley. “I would also love to see the HSE roll out this initiative nationwide, particularly into secondary schools.

“I have been championing the Pink Box initiative, as it is something very much needed, especially with the rising cost of living. Free sanitary products in schools would be a fantastic and worthwhile initiative that would make a real difference for students,” Ms Buckley said.