Written answers

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Radon Gas Levels

Photo of Arthur SpringArthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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368. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if grant aid for radon remediation works will be made available to persons who live in radon black spots as established by the RPII in view of the fact that persons in these areas who qualify for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants under the better energy homes scheme face the problem of increased radon concentrations as a result of greater airtightness following the draught proofing of the house. [44646/13]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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. Through support for the RPII's radon advice and awareness work, my Department is supporting efforts to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radon, particularly in the home. Householders, particularly those in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake re mediation works where necessary. 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 guidance document is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively. Copies of the guidance documents are available on my Department's website -

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 also available on my Department's website. The RPII has also issued guidance, Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householders Guide, which is available on the Institute's website at together with a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and offer specific advice and recommendations. In addition, the RPII can be contacted for radon advice on freephone 1800 300 600. An Inter-Agency Group, established in September 2011 under the leadership of my Department, has been tasked to develop a draft National Integrated Strategy for Radon Control. I expect to receive the draft National Integrated Strategy for Radon Control shortly.

I have no plans at present to establish a scheme of grant assistance for radon remediation.

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