Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 5

Written Answers. - Radon Gas.

Micheál Martin

Question:

40 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has to initiate a nationwide programme of radon gas detection in liaison with local authorities; and the further plans, if any, he has to develop a national scheme of assistance to facilitate remedial works to reduce levels of radon concentrations in homes. [3146/96]

Dan Wallace

Question:

54 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the dangers posed by elevated radon levels in this country; and the extent to which he supports investigations of this problem. [3021/96]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 54 together. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland is responsible for the detection and measurement of the naturally-occurring radon gas in Ireland.

In 1992 the institute initiated a national geographically-based survey into the presence of radon in homes and this is due to be completed towards the end of 1998. To date the survey has been completed in eleven counties, is ongoing in six more and has now been extended to Counties Wexford and Carlow. The results for the first five counties surveyed will be published in the first half of 1996, with the results for the remaining counties being published as they become available between now and 1998.

Progress in relation to radon identification has been very good. Indeed, compared with other countries, Ireland is very advanced in its identification of the extent of the problems and is one of the few EU countries that have fixed reference levels for radon accumulation. The only way of identifying homes with high levels of radon is by individual house surveys, which can take up to a year to get accurate results. The RPII is concentrating resources on this work, and is continuing to build up information as quickly as possible.

Where high radon concentrations have been identified, techniques exist which enable levels to be reduced. In August 1995 the Department of the Environment issued an advisory booklet which is designed to inform householders about radon in buildings and to provide guidance where it has been decided to take action to reduce radon levels. That Department also provides guidance about what action to take in the design and construction of new buildings.

The results of the National Radon Survey will assist in the identification of areas of greater risk of high radon levels and will allow the local authorities in those areas to consider what actions are desirable to limit radon accumulation in new buildings. Under the present building regulations issued by the Department of the Environment, precautions must be taken by builders to avoid danger to health and safety caused by radon. I am continuously looking at ways and means of improving the public's uptake of the RPII's radon testing services and, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment and the RPII, exploring all possible avenues to deal with remedial measures.