Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 7

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in the context of the implementation of building regulations, he has satisfied himself that adequate steps have been taken to eliminate the existence of radon gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14838/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

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,prime 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.