Vol. 517 No. 3
310 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he has taken to tackle the problem of radon gas at Kilmacanogue national school, Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow, in view of the fact that recent tests show a higher than accepted level of gas in certain parts of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9823/00]
This school has recently received details from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland – RPII – of the outcome of a survey of radon gas in the 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 511 schools had a radon concentration above the reference level set of 200 – Bq/m3 – above which remedial action is advised.
Of the remaining 174 schools the RPII advised that 13 schools, showing the highest level of radon, require attention as soon as possible.
My Department has appointed a consultant to undertake this work. To date he has inspected all thirteen and made recommendations on a mitigation programme in respect of five. Details of the mitigation programme for the other eight schools are expected shortly.
Consideration is being given at present to a suitable mitigation programme for the remaining 161 schools, including Kilmacanogue, which show levels in excess of the national reference level for schools.
The full cost of the mitigation programme will be borne by my Department.
