Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

364 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding to reinstate the radon remediation grant scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the recent reports of high levels of radon in some parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23859/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

With regard to a radon remediation grant scheme, I refer to the reply to Question No. 5 of 16 October 2003 in which I also referred to the initiatives taken by the Government to address the radon problem.

I assume that the latter part of the question refers to the recent media reports about high radon levels found in a house in Castleisland, County Kerry. The house in question had been measured for radon concentration levels by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, at the request of the householder and was found to have a very high radon concentration level. I understand from the RPII that remediation work is currently being carried out on this house and that, upon completion of this, additional measurements will be carried out to determine whether the work has been effective. Two houses nearby were also measured by the RPII and were found to have radon concentrations below the 200 Bq/m³ reference level. The RPII has also written to householders within the four 10 x 10 km national grid squares adjoining the town of Castleisland informing them of the levels found and advising them to have radon measurements carried out.

In July 2002 the RPII published a report which represents the results of a national survey of indoor radon concentrations levels in domestic dwellings carried out by the institute between 1992 and 1999. The results of the survey were used to identify high radon areas and to predict the percentage of houses in each grid square with radon in excess of 200 Bq/m³. The RPII has actively encouraged householders in those areas designated as high radon areas to have their homes measured for radon levels if they have not already done so. The RPII has also advised that householders who have a radon concentration above the 200 Bq/m³ reference level should consider taking remedial action.

My Department's booklet, Radon in Existing Buildings – Corrective Options, provides advice, as endorsed by the RPII, on a range of appropriate remediation options. For example, improved ventilation all year round would be an immediate and non-costly action to prevent build up of radon gas in the home.