Vol. 534 No. 3
203 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the date that the building regulations made it mandatory to have radon sumps provided in each new house being built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10437/01]
I introduced upgraded building regulations and related technical guidance in 1997 requiring that all new houses commencing on or after 1 July, 1998 incorporate radon protection measures. Technical guidance document C – site preparation and resistance to moisture (1997 edition) gives guidance on protecting against radon in new dwellings and other long stay residential buildings and draws attention to the results of a national survey of radon in houses carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The institute has published a map incorporating the survey results.
Technical guidance document C provides that all new houses in high radon areas should incorporate a radon proof membrane and a sump at foundation level. All other houses should incorporate a passive sump that can be activated post construction, if a radon survey warrants activation. Where works are carried out in accordance with the guidance in technical guidance document C, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with the building regulations. I am advised that the guidance on radon protection measures is adequate and has been welcomed by the RPII.
Compliance with the building regulations is primarily the responsibility of designers, builders and owners of the new houses involved. The monitoring and enforcement of the regulations is a function of the local building control authorities.
