Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
424. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of offices operated by her Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28581/22]
View answerMy Department occupies offices in Trinity Point, Dublin 2 and Government Buildings in Ballina, Co. Mayo.
The location of our offices in Ballina is in an area where radon tests are required for workplaces. The building is in the ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is occupied by a number of Government Departments. The OPW undertook radon mitigation works at the site in 2018 and the levels observed as part of radon testing indicate that no further action is currently necessary.
Our offices in Trinity Point, which are located on the 4th and 5th floors of the building, are leased on our behalf by the OPW. The building is not located in an area where radon tests are required in workplaces. Notwithstanding this, my Department has been assured by the building's owners that all required provisions were made to mitigate the presence of radon gas at the time of construction. The risk of radon gas in the building is further mitigated as it is sited on top of a naturally ventilated basement car park.
