Vol. 516 No. 1
135 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he is taking to eliminate the high level of methane gas recorded at O'Carolan College, Nobber, County Meath, and Kilmainhamwood primary school, Kilmainhamwood, Kells, County Meath. [7173/00]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to high levels of radon gas that have been recorded at the schools in question. Both schools have recently received details from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland of the outcome of a survey of radon gas in each building. This survey of all primary and post-primary schools is being undertaken by the RPII at the request of my Department following indications of a problem with radon.
The results of the first phase of the three year national survey relating to 685 schools in counties Carlow, Cavan, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow have been issued to the schools concerned. These results indicated that none of the rooms tested in 510 schools had a radon concentration above the reference level set of 200 (Bq/m3) above which remedial action is advised.
Of the remaining 175 schools the RPII advised that 13 schools showing the highest level of radon require attention as soon as possible. Both O'Carolan College, Nobber, and Kilmainhamwood national school are among these 13 schools.
My Department has appointed a consultant to undertake this work. Five schools, including O'Carolan College, have to date been inspected by the consultant who is preparing a mitigation programme for each. This is expected to be ready shortly. The consultant plans to inspect Kilmainhamwood and the other seven schools later this month. The remediation programmes for each school will be undertaken as soon as practicable. The full cost of the entire mitigation programme will be borne by my Department.
