Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 2

Written Answers. - Measurement of Radon Gas Leaks.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

17 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the measurement, if any, of radon gas leaks that has been carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute in the Cooley Peninsula, north County Louth, in recent times; and if he will make a a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

In 1992, the Radiological Institute of Ireland launched a geographically-based national radon survey. This survey, when completed, will assist in the identification of areas of greater risk of high radon levels and allow planning and local authorities to consider what actions might be desirable to limit radon accumulation in new buildings. A part of this national radon survey, 130 householders in County Louth were issued with radon detectors in July 1993. These are left in place for one year and are due to be returned in July 1994.

In addition to these long term measurements, preliminary three months measurements were made in 88 of these houses. Fourteen per cent of these had values greater than the reference level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. Twenty-one of these 88 houses were in the Cooley Peninsula and six of them — 28 per cent — had radon values above the reference level. Until the survey is completed and the results analysed it would be premature to reach any conclusions.