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

The big difference between pyrite damaged homes and homes that have a radon gas problem is that according to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the radon gas problem can be remediated at very low cost, whereas pyrite is far more expensive. I rely on the technical information on housing from the Department and the note it provided on radon gas states 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 relatively straightforward and non-invasive. It is also inexpensive, with tests costing around €56. If the radon levels are found to be below the natural 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 in Ireland. A sump can be installed within a day and with little disruption to the house as the work is carried out outside the house. This method can reduce the highest radon concentrations typically by 90%. An alternative approach is to increase indoor ventilation, which can reduce radon levels by up to 50%, thus being suitable for homes with up to twice the national reference level.

The national radon control strategy for Ireland is the most appropriate way to address the issue of radon contamination and I do not feel it appropriate to provide exemptions from the local property tax to cater for this issue. The local property tax is a self-assessment tax based on the market value of 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 property. It is not similar to pyrite and according to the Department it can be remediated at very low cost.

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