Written answers
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Radon Gas
9:00 am
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which incidents of high radon gas has been detected at various buildings and locations throughout the country; the number of situations indicating dangerous levels of the gas; the action taken or proposed by way of response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37693/10]
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, over many years, taken a number of steps designed to assist in assessing the extent of the radon problem in Ireland. 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 and, in particular, 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.
Some 41,000 homes have now been measured for radon by the RPII, of which 543 have had detections of very high radon concentrations above 800 Bq/m3 . The results of these tests have been compiled into a central database, which has greatly aided the knowledge and understanding as to the extent of Ireland's radon problem. The table below gives summary results of the radon measurements carried out in each county up to 30th June 2010.
Furthermore, the RPII has carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and in some instances where areas of particularly high radon levels have been found, has written directly to householders in these areas. This will continue to be the focus of attention so as to encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.
If a dwelling is found to have a high radon level, remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department, Radon in Buildings - Corrective Options, which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The RPII has also issued guidance, Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householders Guide, which is available on the Institute's website at www.rpii.ie, together with a a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and offer specific advice and recommendations. In addition, the RPII can also be contacted on freephone 1800 300 600.
County | Total number of houses measured | Number of houses in categories of radon concentration | Max (Bq/m3) | ||
0-199 Bq/m3 | 200-799 Bq/m3 | > 800 Bq/m3 | |||
Carlow | 750 | 615 | 115 | 6 | 1700 |
Cavan | 405 | 395 | 10 | 0 | 800 |
Clare | 3395 | 3005 | 330 | 62 | 3500 |
Cork | 4775 | 4225 | 510 | 37 | 4500 |
Donegal | 1240 | 1180 | 55 | 0 | 500 |
Dublin | 2820 | 2650 | 170 | 1 | 1400 |
Galway | 5135 | 4055 | 960 | 117 | 3400 |
Kerry | 3365 | 2870 | 385 | 107 | 49000 |
Kildare | 1080 | 1030 | 45 | 3 | 1100 |
Kilkenny | 1025 | 895 | 120 | 7 | 2400 |
Laois | 505 | 490 | 15 | 0 | 600 |
Leitrim | 325 | 300 | 20 | 1 | 1600 |
Limerick | 1150 | 1065 | 80 | 3 | 1900 |
Longford | 280 | 255 | 20 | 1 | 900 |
Louth | 645 | 565 | 80 | 0 | 700 |
Mayo | 3410 | 2860 | 510 | 38 | 6200 |
Meath | 845 | 775 | 65 | 2 | 900 |
Monaghan | 270 | 250 | 15 | 0 | 800 |
Offaly | 570 | 555 | 10 | 0 | 500 |
Roscommon | 580 | 520 | 55 | 2 | 1400 |
Sligo | 1680 | 1280 | 335 | 65 | 5500 |
Tipperary | 1735 | 1540 | 175 | 16 | 2400 |
Waterford | 1210 | 945 | 225 | 36 | 9700 |
Wexford | 1405 | 1195 | 190 | 18 | 2900 |
Westmeath | 610 | 555 | 50 | 0 | 700 |
Wicklow | 1785 | 1495 | 270 | 21 | 16000 |
Total | 40995 | 35565 | 4815 | 543 |
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