Written answers

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Radon Gas Levels

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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451. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the heightened levels of radon affecting certain counties in Ireland, the steps being taken to raise awareness and to assist householders in combatting the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/14]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s approach to radon, which is similar to that in 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 Radiological P Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) radon advice and awareness work, my Department is supporting efforts to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radon. Householders, particularly those in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation 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 , which is available on my Department’s website – , is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively .

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 , 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 free-phone 1800 300 600.

The National Radon Control Strategy, which I published on 17 February 2014, was developed by an inter-agency group, and sets out some 48 recommendations, under six thematic areas, with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of radon- related lung cancer cases. Successful implementation of the Strategy will require action from a range of Government Departments, public bodies and other stakeholders and so will require clear identification of responsibilities, good co-ordination between the various stakeholders and effective monitoring of progress. Accordingly, I have established a National Radon Control Strategy Co-ordination Group, to be chaired by my Department with representatives from key Departments and Agencies, to implement and track the key recommendations in the Strategy. This Group will, inter alia: co-ordinate policies and actions on radon across the relevant Departments and agencies, monitor implementation of the Strategy , report ing annually on progress; and at the end of the four year period covered by the NRCS A ction P lan, make recommendations to Government on what further actions it considers necessary at that time. The first meeting of the co-ordination group is scheduled to take place this month.

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