Vol. 523 No. 5
306 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Kildare which have recorded an undesirable level of radon gas; the plans he has to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21728/00]
The results of the survey of radon levels in schools carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland indicate that 15 of the primary and post primary schools in County Kildare that accepted the invitation to participate in the survey had radon levels above 200 bequerels per cubic metre. Twelve of these schools showed maximum levels of radon gas of less than 300 bq per cubic metre. In the remaining three schools the maximum level of radon gas was over 400 bq per cubic metre.
A consultant was engaged by my Department to provide detailed plans on the remediation plans for schools showing very high levels of radon gas, including the three schools in County Kildare with levels in excess of 400 bq per cubic metre. My Department received these plans this week and preparations are being made to arrange to have the remediation work carried out as soon as possible.
Consultants from the Buildings Research Establishment in London have been engaged to advise on the appropriate remediation measures in schools with radon levels between 200 bcqMf7>3 and 400 bcqMf7>3. The consultants are currently implementing remediation measures on a trial basis in approximately ten schools. The trial results are likely to inform the overall strategy to be adapted for the remediation programmes for schools with radon levels between 200 bcqMf7>3 and 400 bcqMf7>3. The trial results are expected to be available next month.
