Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 2

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

129 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and locations of each school in County Donegal that has an excessive level of radon gas; the measures that will be taken to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26096/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The information requested by the Deputy is in the following table.

My Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, to conduct a survey of radon levels in schools in 1998. All schools recognised by my Department were invited to participate. The survey is being conducted in three phases. The results of phase one of the survey were released to the participating schools in January this year. Last week, the results of phase two of the survey were released to schools in the counties participating in that phase, including the schools in County Donegal.

The Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000 (Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000) gave effect to the most recent revision of the EURATOM Basic Safety Standards Directive, Council Directive 96/29/EURATOM. This sets a national reference level for radon in workplaces of 400 bqMf7>3 over any three month period. If radon exceeds this level an employer is obliged under this instrument to evaluate whether remedial measures should be undertaken and, if so, such measures should be undertaken as soon as is practicable.

Arrangements are being made to install mitigation systems as soon as possible in schools with a maximum radon level of over 400 bqMf7>3 in one or more rooms. A pilot study of the natural ventilation in ten schools with maximum radon levels of between 200bqMf7>3 and 400bqMf7>3 is under way at present. The purpose of the study is to establish whether passive ventilation systems can be used to mitigate radon levels in this range, as opposed to the mechanical systems that have been, or are in the process of being, installed in the schools with higher levels. The results of the study are expected in January 2001 and these will allow my Department to plan a mitigation programme for the schools with maximum radon levels in excess of 200bqMf7>3 but which are not among the most severely affected schools.

Meanwhile, schools have been advised on the simple steps to be taken to reduce radon levels in classrooms.

School	Max. Level(bq M*3)
Scoil Mhuire, St Oran's Road, Buncrana	1,195
St. Brigid's N.S., Townparks, Convoy	765
Donoughmore N.S., Castlefin, Lifford	500
Scoil Adhamhnain, Rathboth, Leithbhearr	590
St. Patrick's B.N.S., Church Road, Carndonagh	536
Ballyraine N.S., Letterkenny	522
Scoil Phádraig Dobhar, Dobhar, An Bun Beag	414
Donegal N.S., The Glebe, Donegal	402
Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town	460