Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Over the years the Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and increasing public awareness of radon and public health. While the provision of Exchequer grant assistance for testing or remediation works is not envisaged, efforts will continue to be directed at improving information to householders to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically. The institute has recently embarked on a series of nationwide public information seminars targeted at selected areas with high radon levels. These seminars have received widespread media coverage and generated a large number of inquiries.

In October last I announced the publication of an updated technical guidance document under the 1997 building regulations containing enhanced radon prevention measures as recommended by the institute to be incorporated in the construction of new houses and buildings with effect from 1 April this year. The enhanced measures which call for radon sump outlets to be clearly identified should help to further raise awareness among householders and the building industry.

The institute has published the results of a recent survey undertaken by it of a number of houses in Kilkenny built before and after July 1998 when the updated 1997 regulations standards came into effect. This survey showed that, of the 33 houses built after July 1998, three had radon concentrations above the national reference level, including one which was very seriously affected and had a radon concentration of over seven times the reference level. However, the survey results also showed a reduction of some 33% in the average radon concentration in the houses built after July 1998 compared with the average concentration for houses surveyed by the institute under its national radon survey carried out in the period 1992 to 1997. I expect further improvements will emerge from the enhanced measures I have mentioned.

The testing of domestic dwellings for radon is straightforward and inexpensive, amounting to approximately €40 per house. I urge householders, particularly those in high risk areas, to check their houses for radon concentrations and carry out remediation work, if recommended.

Both my Department and the RPII will continue to use all appropriate opportunities to raise public awareness of the dangers of radon and every effort will continue to improve information to householders to enable them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.

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