Enda Kenny
Question:51 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the incidence of radon gas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Incidence of Radon Gas.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, is the national authority with responsibility for undertaking measurements of the naturally-occurring radioactive gas, radon. Since 1989, over 3,000 homes have been measured and the highest levels have been found in the western counties of Galway and Mayo. Nationally, approximately 4 per cent of houses exceed the reference level adopted by the Government in 1989, of 200 becquerels per cubic metre.
In 1992 the institute launched a geographically-based national radon survey. This survey will involve measurements in over 6,000 homes over the next four-five years. Once completed, the results will assist in identification of areas of greater risk of high radon levels and allow planning authorities to consider what actions might be desirable to limit radon accumulation in new buildings.
The RPII offers a radon measurement service at a modest cost for schools, workplaces and houses. The risk associated with exposure to high radon levels is regularly highlighted by the institute in its reports and press statements.
Remedial action to deal with unacceptable levels of radon gas is primarily a matter for the householders and property owners concerned. Where high radon concentrations have been identified techniques exist which enable levels to be reduced. Responsibility for advice on these matters rests with the Environmental Research Unit of the Department of Environment.
In the particular case of certain schools in counties Clare, Mayo and Galway, in which radon gas levels have been established to be unacceptably high, the Department of Education in co-operation with the Office of Public Works and the school authorities undertook remediation measures which have dealt with the problem in a satisfactory manner.
The Deputy may be interested to note that building regulations came into effect on 1 June 1992 and established for the first time, on a national basis, a statutory building code. Under the regulations, precautions must be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances, including contaminants, on or in the ground to be covered by a building. The relevant technical guidance document, which gives guidance in relation to meeting this requirement, advises of the need to take precautions against the entry of radon into buildings in certain areas. In this regard, guidance on appropriate measures to be taken in the design and construction of buildings is available from the Evironmental Research Unit of the Department of the Environment.