Council rolls out ‘Period Dignity’ programme in cultural venues across the county
'This will ensure that more people can access essential products in a safe, supportive environment and that no one is left without what they need'
Donegal County Council has expanded its Period Dignity Initiative, ensuring free period products are now available in every public library across the county, as well as in the County Museum and The Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny.
This development builds on the original programme launched in June 2024, which introduced free period products across Donegal’s Public Service Centres and Family Resource Centres and represents another significant step forward in tackling period poverty.
Period poverty refers to the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and education and awareness to manage menstrual health.
The Period Dignity Programme aims to remove the financial and social barriers often associated with menstruation. By extending provision to cultural venues, the Council is ensuring that essential products are available in more locations, more often, and in a discreet and accessible way.
These venues now provide free pads and tampons, available for anyone who needs them. The extension of the initiative has been made possible through funding from the Local Community Development Committee’s Healthy Donegal programme (Healthy Ireland) and the Department of Health.
Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Vice chairperson of the Donegal LCDC, welcomed the expansion of the initiative, saying: “This programme has already had a meaningful impact across Public Service Centres and Family Resource Centres. Extending it to our Culture Division venues strengthens that reach, and ensures that more people across Donegal can access essential products in a safe, supportive environment and that no one is left without what they need.”
The Healthy Ireland Survey 2022 reported that 24 per cent of women surveyed have experienced at least one indicator of period poverty, with 14 per cent of women over-25 saying they have had to improvise with materials not intended for menstrual use.
For more information and opening hours of the cultural venues, visit www.donegalculture.ie.