Vol. 472 No. 5
16 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to improve the provisions for householders affected by high radon levels who are seeking to decontaminate their properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23543/96]
29 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has, in conjunction with any other State Departments, to lessen the adverse effects of the high levels of radon gas in view of the recent report by the Radiological Protection Institute regarding the higher than average levels of radon gas in areas of County Louth, particularly the Cooley peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23021/96]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 16 and 29 together.
I refer the Deputy to my answers to Questions Nos.330 and 327 of 26 November last. To assist in identifying areas at greatest risk of high indoor radon levels, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland in 1992 initiated a national geographically-based radon survey. Recently, the results of the average radon concentrations for houses measured in counties Cavan, Dublin, Louth, Monaghan and Wicklow were published and these are available from the institute. Data for the remaining counties will become available, on a phased basis, between now and 1998.
Remedial measures to reduce radon levels are a matter for the householders themselves and an advisory booklet is available from the Department of the Environment. However, due to the apparent reluctance by some householders to carry out remedial work, despite having a radon level in excess of the minimum reference level, I have sought to have provision made in the 1997 Estimates for a radon grant scheme. However, I must emphasise that any proposals made by me to the Minister for Finance are subject to overall budgetary constraints.
