Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I have previously advised the Deputy, I have no plans to provide for an exemption from the local property tax for properties affected by radon gas. I am advised by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government that high radon levels in homes are easy to identify and, once identified, are relatively simple to fix. The testing of houses for radon is a relatively straightforward and non-invasive process. It is also inexpensive, with a test costing approximately €56. If radon levels are found to be below the national reference levels, no further action is necessary.

Where radon levels are found to be high, the installation of an active radon sump is the most common and effective remediation method. A sump can be installed within a day and with very little disruption to the house, as the work is carried out outside the house. This method can typically reduce the highest radon concentrations by 90%. An alternative approach is to increase indoor ventilation. This can reduce radon levels by up to 50% and is thus suitable for homes with up to twice the national reference level. The national radon control strategy is the most appropriate way to address the issue of radon contamination and it is not appropriate to provide exemptions from the local property tax to cater for every possible adverse circumstance, particularly one that may be capable of relatively simple remediation.

The local property tax is a self-assessment tax based on the market value of the property. In the first instance it will be a matter for the liable person to calculate the tax due based on his or her assessment of the market value of the property. The presence of radon gas would be one factor that a liable person may take into account in valuing his or her property.

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