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Radon Control Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (93, 98)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

93. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if actions in the National Radon Control Strategy 2014 for the surveying and control of radon in the private rental sector and in privately owned housing used in the social housing sector have been implemented; if the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations now include obligations to test for and remediate radon; the steps that have been taken through the PRTB in relation to radon; if a survey has been carried out of landlords, tenants and other relevant stakeholders to assess the baseline levels of awareness on radon; if information on radon testing has been included in the inspections of privately rented houses by local authorities; and if local authorities carry out radon testing on privately owned accommodation used for social housing. [1472/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

98. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to introduce minimum thermal efficiency standards for rented accommodation in view of the linked problems of fuel poverty in the private rented sector and lack of progress in achieving thermal retrofit of private rented accommodation. [1473/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 98 together.

Policy measures relating to radon detection and remediation are primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. While the issue of radon was considered during the preparation of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017, it was not introduced at that time and I have no plans, at present, to amend the regulations to introduce mandatory radon testing in rented accommodation. I will, however, keep the matter under review, in consultation with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

The purpose of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 is to provide a basic standard for decent, safe and secure accommodation. These Regulations focus on tenant safety and include new measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. With very limited exemptions, these apply to social housing as well as private rented residential accommodation.

All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations. Responsibility for enforcement rests with the relevant local authority.

While there is no obligation on local authorities to carry out radon testing on their own social housing stock, they have long been encouraged to do so. Specific advice for local authorities in this regard is included on the website, www.radon.ie. The EPA has also produced a booklet, ‘Guidance Notes to Local Authorities on Implementing a Radon Measurement Programme’, which is available at the Agency's website at the following link:

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/radiation/radonadvicetolocalauthorities.html.

At the time of the launch of the National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS), it was stated that ‘most local authorities in high radon areas have made very significant progress in testing their social housing stock. To date, approx. 20,000 local authority homes have been measured, and where necessary, remediated’. Comprehensive data on further progress made since then is not available.

The aim of the Building Regulations is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. In general, Building Regulations apply to the construction of new buildings and to extensions and material alterations to existing buildings. In addition, certain parts of the Regulations apply to existing buildings where a material change of use takes place. Otherwise, Building Regulations do not apply to buildings constructed prior to 1 June 1992.

The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts classified as Parts A to M. Part C – Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture (1997), requires that reasonable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances (including radon) found on or in the ground to be covered by a building.

Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the building regulations in practical terms. TGD C contains guidance, compliance with which will, prima facie, indicate compliance with Part C.

Radon is addressed in sections 2.7-17 which require the provision of sumps in all dwellings for remediation in the event of a high radon reading and also for the provision of a radon barrier in areas with a high radon risk.

Extract 2.10 of the TGD deals with Dwellings (below):

“2.10 Dwellings or other long-stay residential buildings

(a) High Radon Areas: measures should be taken to protect the building from Radon in the ground. For example, in the case of a noncomplex building of normal design and construction, a fully sealed membrane of low permeability over the entire footprint of the building and a potential means of extracting Radon from the substructure such as a standby Radon sump or sumps with connecting pipework or other appropriate certified systems should be provided.

(b) Areas other than High Radon Areas: the building should be provided with a potential means of extracting Radon from the substructure should that prove necessary after construction. For example, in the case of a non-complex building of normal design and construction, the provision of a standby Radon sump or sumps with connecting pipework or other appropriate certified systems should be adequate.”

As part of the National Radon Control Strategy, my Department, in conjunction with the EPA's Office of Radiological Protection, developed a training program for the construction industry to aid in the proper installation of sumps and barriers as per the requirements. Assigned Certifiers under the Building Control regulations have a responsibility to ensure the correct installation and require certification where considered appropriate.

The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. The RTB has no role in relation to radon testing.

The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has established an Advisory Group to examine the feasibility and implications of setting minimum thermal efficiency performance standards in properties offered for rent or lease in the residential sector. The Group, on which my Department is represented, will advise DCCAE on how best to progress energy efficiency upgrades in the rental sector and on the approach to public consultation on the issue having regard to the relevant issues. Key considerations will focus on appropriate approaches to regulation, and the timescale for introduction of any requirements, as well as any associated potential supports.

Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 71.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 53.
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