Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Paul McGrath

Question:

583 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the remedial works carried out to date in schools in County Westmeath which were found to have an unacceptable level of radon gas concentration in recent tests carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute; and the time frame and budget for the completion of all necessary remedial works in these schools. [12794/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Schools in Westmeath have recently received details from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland – RPII – of the outcome of a survey of radon gas in the buildings.

This survey of all primary and post-primary schools was 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, none of which were in Westmeath, require attention as soon as possible.

My Department has appointed a consultant to undertake this work. Mitigation programmes for five of these schools have been prepared by the consultant, contracts placed and the necessary works almost completed. The remaining eight schools have been inspected by the consultant and appropriate mitigation programmes are expected in my Department shortly.

The consultant will then consider and advise on the most suitable mitigation programme for the remaining less-affected schools. Priority will be given to the areas of greatest need. In the absence of the advice of the consultant I cannot say at this juncture when the appropriate action will be taken in schools in Westmeath.

It is not possible to specify the likely cost of the overall radon mitigation programme for schools in Westmeath but I am pleased to say that the full cost of the programme will be borne by my Department.