Vol. 577 No. 4
298 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government about the allocation of assistance to homeowners to carry out essential works if they find that their houses have been contaminated by radon; if no assistance is available, when the work will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31687/03]
As stated in my reply to Question No. 72 of 26 November, it would not be practicable in the current budgetary circumstances to provide for Exchequer funding of a radon remediation grant scheme in respect of domestic dwellings.
The carrying out of radon remediation works, where considered necessary in respect of private houses is a matter for the householder. My Department's booklet, Radon in Existing Buildings – Corrective Options, provides advice on a range of appropriate remediation options. For example, improved ventilation all year round would be an immediate and cheap action to prevent build up of radon gas in the home.
My Department is developing guidelines for local authorities that will recommend a programme of testing for radon in existing rented housing stock, excluding flats above ground floor level. The programme will be prioritised in areas where high radon levels are identified by the RPII and will involve remediation works by the local authorities where necessary. These guidelines will be issued in the near future.
299 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of houses in County Wicklow that have been tested for radon; the results thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31688/03]
300 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of houses in County Carlow that have been tested for radon; the results thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31689/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 300 together.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has tested 903 houses in County Wicklow and 409 houses in County Carlow for radon. Of the number of houses tested in County Wicklow, 158 were found to have radon concentration levels of over 200 Bq/m³. Of the number of houses tested in County Carlow, 67 were found to have levels over 200 Bq/m³. These figures relate to houses tested for radon by the RPII. There is another company operating in Ireland that also provides a radon testing service in respect of which my Department does not have figures.
The radon concentration level of 200 Bq/m³ was adopted by Government in the early 1990s as the national reference level above which remedial action to reduce indoor radon concentration levels in domestic dwellings should be considered by the householder. My Department's booklet, Radon in Existing Buildings – Corrective Options, provides advice on a range of appropriate remediation options. For example, improved ventilation all year round would be an immediate and cheap action to prevent build up of radon gas in the home.
