Council asked to provide feminine hygiene products in public buildings

By David Power

The provision of feminine hygiene products in public buildings is to be considered by Offaly County Council, with costs to be assessed and budgeted for

A motion from Cllr Clare Claffey sought to have hygiene products provided for free in all library and council buildings in Offaly, on a trial basis for 2021 to assess uptake and allow them to prepare a budget for this in 2022.

“This could make a huge difference to the lives of women and gives everyone a chance of period dignity,” Cllr Claffey said.

“Periods are normal. Fifty per cent of the population are women, and most of us have periods. So having access to sanitary towels and tampons is as essential as toilet roll and hand soap,” she added.

There has been a campaign to eliminate period poverty, and Cllr Claffey said some people can’t afford such hygiene products.

“Up to 85,000 women in Ireland are at risk of period poverty,” Cllr Claffey said.

“Women can get caught out. Some have irregular periods,” she added.

She said it’s not a vending machine system which is required, but products left out in clear view, with a sign saying “feel free to take one”.

Director of services Sharon Kennedy said they would carry out research to see what costs are involved to allow them estimate budgetary requirements.

The council will investigate if additional funding is available to fund such a trial.