Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2010
558 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address concerns abut high levels of radon in the north-west specifically in counties Sligo and Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4670/10]
View answerThe Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has for many years now worked towards assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country. Between 1992 and 1999 the RPII carried out a National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objectives were to measure the scale of the radon problem in Ireland and to identify areas at higher risk of radon concentrations above the National Reference Level of 200 Becquerels per metre-cubed(Bq/m3).
The Government's approach to radon, which is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States, is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by the build up of radon in the home. Householders, particularly those living in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged by the RPII to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary.
Almost 38,000 homes have now been measured for radon by the RPII. The results of these tests have been compiled into a central database, which has greatly aided our knowledge and understanding of the extent of Ireland's radon problem.
Measurements carried out to date by the RPII show the following results for counties Sligo and Donegal:
|
County |
Total number of houses measured |
Number of houses in categories of radon concentration |
Percentage of measured homes above 200 Bq/m3 |
|||
|
0-199 Bq/m3 |
200-799 Bq/m3 |
> 800 Bq/m3 |
Max(Bq/m3) |
|||
|
Sligo |
1,470 |
1,115 |
295 |
56 |
5,508 |
24 |
|
Donegal |
1,180 |
1,125 |
55 |
0 |
512 |
5 |
In Sligo nearly 24% of the homes measured were above 200 Becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3) with the maximum value measured at 5,508Bq/m3.
In Donegal 5% of the homes measured were above 200 Bq/m3 with the maximum value of 512 Bq/m3.
In December 2009, the RPII collaborated with Sligo County Council in holding a public meeting in Sligo town aimed at promoting local awareness of radon. The RPII has carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and, in some instances, where areas with particularly high radon levels have been found the RPII has written directly to householders. This approach will be continued so that householders in high radon areas are encouraged to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.
If a dwelling is found to have a high radon level remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department: Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options. The RPII has also issued guidance: Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householder's Guide.
In addition, the website of the RPII provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and the RPII can offer specific advice and recommendations. Members of the public can access information on radon on the RPII website, www.rpii.ie. Publications and information leaflets about radon can be downloaded free of charge. The RPII can also be contacted on freephone 1800 300 600.
