Vol. 576 No. 1
321 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 364 of 21 October 2003, if the households written to by the RPII have taken up the advice of testing; if so, the number of households which have done so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29118/03]
In July 2003, very high radon concentrations were identified in a house located close to the town of Castleisland, County Kerry. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland subsequently wrote to the approximately 2,500 householders in the four ten kilometre by ten kilometre grid squares closest to the town to inform them of the finding and to advise them that they should have their own house measured for radon. Based on the national radon survey carried out by the RPII in the 1990s, two of these grid squares are classified as high radon areas, with between 10% and 20% of houses predicted to exceed the reference level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. In the other two grid squares, less than 10% of houses are predicted to exceed the reference level.
By way of response to the RPII letters, approximately 400 householders have requested radon measurements. This is in addition to the 80 measurements made in these four grid squares as part of the national radon survey. Kerry County Council has also commissioned approximately 90 measurements in respect of local authority housing in the area. Following a presentation made by the RPII at a public meeting in Castleisland on 20 November 2003, additional requests for measurements from a number of people living locally have been received.
322 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if there are provisions or procedures in place to carry out testing for radon gas in buildings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes and particularly older buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29119/03]
The carrying out of radon measurements in respect of workplaces is a matter for the employer.
In 1998 the Department of Education and Science commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to carry out a survey of radon concentration levels in primary and post primary schools. As a result of this survey, the Department of Education is currently carrying out a programme of radon remediation in respect of schools identified as having high radon concentration levels. Those schools which did not participate in the survey have been issued with invitations by the RPII to have radon measurements carried out and the measurement programme is expected to commence in January 2004.
In so far as hospitals and nursing homes are concerned, I am not aware of any radon measurement programme in place. I understand from the Department of Health and Children that some health boards have undertaken surveys and carried out the necessary remedial works. The procurement of health facilities requires compliance with the technical guidance document C, site preparation and resistance to moisture, of the building regulations 1997 as published by my Department.
Radon in workplaces is subject to regulatory control as set out in the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order 2000. The RPII is responsible for the enforcement of this order in Ireland. It specifies a concentration for radon gas in workplaces of 400 becquerels per cubic metre – Bq/m³ – averaged over a minimum period of three months. Where workplaces are found to have concentrations greater than this value, employers must evaluate whether remedial action to reduce the radon concentration to less than 400 Bq/m³ is justified. Under the order, the RPII has the authority to direct employers responsible for underground workplaces, above ground workplaces in high radon areas, and other workplaces which may be identified by the RPII as liable to have radon concentrations in excess of 400 Bq/m³, to carry out radon measurements.
323 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if high levels of radon gas in an area (details supplied) have been drawn to his attention; the steps being taken to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29120/03]
As part of the national survey of radon in domestic dwellings carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland during the 1990s, measurements were made in ten houses in the ten kilometre by ten kilometre grid square containing the town of Annascaul, County Kerry. The average radon concentration for the ten houses was 109 Bq/m³, with one house showing radon concentration levels above the reference level of 200 Bq/m³. The RPII's data base of all radon measurements has results for 18 houses which include Annascaul as part of the address. Of these, three exceeded the reference level and the maximum radon concentration level was 356 Bq/m³. Based on these data, the grid square in which Annascaul is located is defined as a high radon area with 16% of all houses predicted to exceed the reference level.
The RPII has actively encouraged householders in those areas designated as high radon areas to have their house 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 reference level should consider taking remedial action in respect of their house. Over the years, significant resources have been committed by Government to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to heightening public awareness of radon.
