Written answers

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Radon Gas

9:00 am

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard 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]

Photo of John GormleyJohn 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.

CountyTotal number of houses measuredNumber of houses in categories of radon concentrationMax (Bq/m3)
0-199 Bq/m3200-799 Bq/m3> 800 Bq/m3
Carlow75061511561700
Cavan405395100800
Clare33953005330623500
Cork47754225510374500
Donegal12401180550500
Dublin2820265017011400
Galway513540559601173400
Kerry3365287038510749000
Kildare108010304531100
Kilkenny102589512072400
Laois505490150600
Leitrim3253002011600
Limerick115010658031900
Longford280255201900
Louth645565800700
Mayo34102860510386200
Meath845775652900
Monaghan270250150800
Offaly570555100500
Roscommon5805205521400
Sligo16801280335655500
Tipperary17351540175162400
Waterford1210945225369700
Wexford14051195190182900
Westmeath610555500700
Wicklow178514952702116000
Total40995355654815543

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