Press Release   

18 November 2004

Government must reintroduce Radon Remediation Grants Scheme

Radiological Protection Institute publish Annual Report highlighting radon health hazards including cancer

The Green Party has repeated its call for the return of a grants scheme to tackle radon gas in existing homes following the publication today of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland’s Annual Report.

Green Party Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD, said that, “There was provision for radon remediation grants, to offset 50% of the cost to householders, set out in the Radiological Protection Amendment Act of 2002. However, due to Government budget constraints the scheme was scrapped in 2003.”

“The report highlights the health hazards associated with exposure to high levels of radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present in many Irish homes.  It can cause cancer if levels are allowed to remain high.”

“Radon is the invisible killer which takes the lives of between 150 - 200 Irish people every year. There is a moral imperative on the Government to assist those living in homes with high levels of radon. The Green Party wants Minister Dick Roche to reintroduce a Remediation Grants Scheme to the worst affected areas in Ireland. People should be given some financial help in situations where the levels of radioactivity are very high.”

“Homes built from granite stone and built in areas which are rich in granite can have very high levels of this gas. Often PVC replacement windows make the situation worse by making homes airtight thereby reducing air circulation.”

“It is estimated that 10-15% of all lung cancers are linked to radon according to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. An estimated 91,000 or 7% of the nation’s homes are at risk from levels exceeding safety limits. Minister Roche should bring back the grants system so that older homes are protected. This measure would save lives,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.

ENDS