Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if research has been carried out on the impact of energy saving measures, specifically increased house insulation, on indoor radon levels; and if advice is available to persons who are considering availing of State grants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. [8253/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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On matters relating to radon gas my Department is advised by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), which also provides a radon advice service to members of the public.

International scientific literature reviewed by the RPII suggests that measures to reduce heat loss through increasing the air-tightness of buildings may have the unintended effect of causing a build-up of radon and other indoor air contaminants. However, there is a lack of data applicable to countries with climates like Ireland and research is needed better to understand the relationship between greater energy efficiency and indoor radon concentrations. Radon measurements would need to be carried out before and after insulation in a statistically relevant sample of homes throughout the country. Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the relevant Agencies, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and the RPII to develop a pilot research scheme.

SEI provides information on radon to applicants for the Home Energy Savings (HES) scheme. The SEI website includes information on radon for householders considering energy saving measures as well as a link to the RPII website which contains detailed information and advice on radon.