Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the degree to which radon gas continues to be detected at various private or public buildings on a county basis here; the extent to which remedial action is proposed or in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25323/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, for many years now, worked towards assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country. Between 1992 and 1999 the RPII carried out a comprehensive National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objective was to identify the scale of the radon problem in Ireland and to identify areas at higher risk of radon contamination above the National Reference Level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3).

The Government's approach to radon, which is similar to that of the majority of EU member states, is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home. Householders, particularly those in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged by the RPII to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary. The RPII have carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and in some instances where areas of particularly high radon levels have been found they have written directly to householders in these areas. This will continue to be the focus so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.

Over 35,000 homes have now been measured for radon by the RPII. The results of these tests have been compiled into a central database, which has greatly aided our knowledge and understanding as to the extent of Ireland's radon problem. These results, broken down on a county basis, are included in the table below. In addition to the measurements undertaken by the RPII a number of private companies also offer radon measurement services.

Since 1998 the Building Regulations require all new buildings to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004 an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) was published incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This new guidance document is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively.

If a household is found to have high radon levels remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department called Radon in Buildings - Corrective Option. The RPII have also issued guidance entitled Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householders Guide. In addition, the RPII have a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations. These are available on the RPII website, www.rpii.ie.

The Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People is available to assist older people, generally over 60 years, to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Where a suite of works is being grant aided under this scheme, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable.

My Department has already given approval to a number of local authorities to undertake, on a sample basis, radon surveys of their housing stock in high incidence areas. In addition the RPII have directly contacted local authorities with known areas of high radon concentration to encourage them to test local authority housing stock for radon, and where necessary, take remedial action.

In May 2009 I announced a €20 million scheme for improving energy efficiency in local authority housing stock. The focus of this investment will be the retrofitting of insulation and improvement in energy efficiency measures of vacant social housing. The package of works covered by this scheme includes provision for installation of radon protection measures.

Results of radon measurements in Irish homes, by county, carried out by the RPII from 1992 - 2008