Grants considered for radon gas protection

The Government will consider introducing a grant scheme to help householders protect their homes against radon gas, the Minister of State responsible for nuclear safety has indicated.

Mr Joe Jacob made the promise after the publication yesterday of a report which shows that much of the west of Ireland is exposed to dangerously high levels of radon, which is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

The study, by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, identifies Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Clare as among the counties worst affected by the gas, which is harmless in the open air but can reach unacceptably high concentrations in enclosed spaces. The south-east is also associated with higher-than-average risk, especially parts of Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford.

The report estimates that more than 10 per cent of homes in the areas pinpointed have unacceptable levels of radon, lifetime exposure to which is known to increase a person's risk of contracting lung cancer. Some 150 deaths from lung cancer each year in the State are linked to radon.

The publication of the final part of the study yesterday coincides with the opening of a Website by the RPII, which carries the survey results.

People who want to have their homes tested can avail of the RPII's radon measurement service at a cost of £15. Advice on the remedial measures is also available from the institute, which can be contacted at a Freefone number, 1800 300 600. The website address is: www.rpii.ie

Mr Jacob said that since July last year, building regulations required the incorporation of radon protection measures in new houses, while the RPII was also surveying schools throughout the State for the problem. The Department of Public Enterprise is also preparing legislation that will include the effects of radon in setting standards for workers' safety. Describing the RPII findings as "frightening", Mr Emmet Stagg, of Labour, said the Government should reintroduce the radon grant scheme, which was initiated by the last government but had not taken effect by the time it left office, to help householders carry out remedial work.

Mr Stagg, the party's public enterprise spokesman, said it was "penny-pinching" which had seen the scheme dropped.

"It is a disgrace that the Government will not commit the resources to help families protect themselves against this danger," he said.