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HSE Period Poverty Pilot across Galway City

What is period poverty?

Period poverty describes the lack of access to proper menstrual products and the education needed to use them effectively. This can mean not having appropriate access to the products needed during a period, such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or pain relievers to help with cramps.

People may not have access to these products because of cost, or because of social or cultural reasons.

The potential adverse consequences of period poverty for women, girls, intersex, trans and non-binary persons who menstruate are widely accepted and can include exclusion from schools, work and activities of daily living during menstruation and physical and mental health impacts from the use of unsuitable period products.

People who experience homelessness, those from low income households and people living in Direct Provision are some of the most likely to experience period poverty.

To learn more about periods and menstruation, visit HSE Health A to Z: Periods
For more information for young people, visit Spunout: Everything you need to know about your period
Lidl Ireland in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland offer free period products in stores nationwide to women and girls across the country affected by period poverty. Register for the Period Product Support Programme here.
Read the 'Period Poverty in Ireland: Discussion Paper Period Poverty Sub-Committee, National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017–2020'.

Period Poverty Project 2023

In 2023, the Department of Health (DoH) and HSE supported the provision of free period products for the Traveller Community, the Roma community and vulnerable groups, Local Authorities and non-governments organisations providing services for those living with addiction, homelessness, consistent poverty and other vulnerable groups.

Period poverty in Ireland was initially brought into focus by the publication of a Plan International Survey of 1,100 teenage girls, aged 12-19. The Survey identified 50% of girls as having occasionally experienced period poverty, and 10% as having used unsuitable products as a result. 61% had missed school on occasion because of their period.

Subsequent research undertaken as part of the Healthy Ireland Survey, 2022, has found that 24% of women have experienced at least one indicator of period poverty, with rates amongst those aged 15-25 reaching 35%. Meanwhile, 51% report being unable to take part in activities of daily living on occasion, as a result of period symptoms.

Through the Period Poverty Project, the Department of Health provides funding for Galway City Council for the provision of free period products in locations managed by the Council.

Free period products, including both tampons and sanitary napkins, are currently available in dispensers in bathrooms at the following locations:

- Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre, BCNC, BAILE AN PHOILL, Headford Road, Galway, H91 PN50
- Leisureland, LEISURELAND, ROCKBARTON ROAD, SALTHILL, GALWAY, H91 KT3V
- Renmore Community Centre, Renmore Community Centre, Renmore Avenue, Galway, H91 W259
- Westside Community Centre, WESTSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE SEAMUS QUIRKE ROAD GALWAY, H91 R853
- Knocknacarra Community Centre, KNOCKNACARRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, BÓTHAR CHEAPAÍ, GAILLIMH, H91 R6PW
- Westside Resource Centre, WESTSIDE RESOURCE CENTRESEAMUS QUIRKE ROAD, GALWAY, H91 C1KX
- Galway City Museum, SPANISH PARADE, GALWAY, H91 CX5P