Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
67. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking in response to an organisation’s (details supplied) findings that 170,000 homes in the country are now predicted to be at risk from radon. [28154/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action that he intends to take in response to the increased number of homes that are at risk from radon as outlined on the Environment Protection Agency’s updated radon map; the supports that are in place for homeowners and landlords to test for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps which he is taking in response to the findings of an organisation (details supplied) that 170,000 homes in the country are now predicted to be at risk from radon. [28150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 111 and 113 together.
Radon gas is recognised as a serious threat to public health and estimated to be responsible for approximately 350 cases of lung cancer annually in Ireland.
In response to this issue, the Government established a National Radon Control Strategy. The Strategy is now in its second phase covering the period 2019 to 2024. Implementation of the Strategy is overseen by an interdepartmental and agency Group chaired by my Department.
One of the outputs of the work of the Group is an updated radon risk map. It is envisaged that the increased functionality and design of the new map will encourage a greater level of radon testing by households.
I expect to receive and publish a report from the NRCS Group within the next month which will detail progress made in 2021 and outline a number of action points for this phase of the Plan, to 2024.
