Free Cloth Nappy Kits Available Again for Cork Families

Cork families can now apply for free cloth nappy starter kits as the popular Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme reopens for 2025, following sell-out success in previous years.

The initiative, led by VOICE Ireland alongside Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Cork University Maternity Hospital, offers antenatal patients at CUMH the chance to receive comprehensive starter kits worth significant value completely free of charge.

Each kit contains ten high-quality reusable cloth nappies, twelve reusable cloth wipes, a waterproof storage bag, nappy inserts for absorbency and detailed guidance on proper use and care. The modern pocket-style nappies adjust to fit babies from approximately 10lbs right through to potty training, featuring waterproof outer layers and stay-dry inner linings.

Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork said:

"An estimated one million disposable nappies are sent to landfill in Ireland every day, so we are delighted to further support the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme. Cloth nappies are a powerful way for families to reduce waste and save money over time."

The scheme addresses a significant environmental challenge, with nappies comprising 10% of household kerbside waste according to the 2022 Household Waste Characterisation report. In total, 75,618 tonnes of nappies were collected through kerbside waste collection, making them the third largest waste fraction.

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork added:

"We are proud to support the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme once again in Cork. We believe that small changes like this can make a big difference in creating a more sustainable future and we encourage families in Cork to apply for a free starter kit."

This year brings enhanced support through the Cloth Nappy Library, which offers workshops and one-to-one guidance sessions for kit recipients. These sessions help parents understand different nappy types, proper washing techniques and address any concerns about making the switch from disposables.

Abi O'Callaghan-Platt, Programme manager of the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme at VOICE said:

"We created the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme to inspire families who may never have considered reusable nappies to give them a try. Collaborating with CUMH and the local authorities gives us a chance to connect with new parents and show them that modern cloth nappies have come a long way, they are soft, breathable, colourful and easy to use."

The environmental benefits are substantial. A 2023 UK government life cycle analysis found that reusable nappies have a 25% lower carbon footprint than single-use alternatives across their full lifecycle, with potential for even greater reductions as energy grids become more sustainable.

Dr Cathy Burke, Consultant Gynaecologist/Obstetrician at Cork University Maternity Hospital noted:

"We're delighted to offer our parents the chance to try cloth nappies. This initiative puts sustainable healthcare at the heart of our hospital, helping reduce the carbon footprint of nappy use."

The nappy inserts use eco-friendly materials including bamboo, cotton, hemp and organic blends, providing comfort and flexibility for different needs. Parents who have participated in previous rounds report being surprised by how easy modern cloth nappies are to use, finding they reduce nappy rash while offering attractive patterns that make changing time more enjoyable.

Families interested in applying can find more information and submit applications through the VOICE Ireland website. Participants will be asked to complete a follow-up survey to share their experiences and help improve future scheme rollouts.

The initiative represents the first scheme of its kind in Ireland, despite similar programmes operating successfully in the UK for many years. Funding comes from the Environmental Protection Agency Research Programme 2021-2030, a Government of Ireland initiative supported by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.