The urgent need to protect houses in Laois and Offaly at higher risk from Radon gas – dubbed the silent killer – has been raised in the Dáil.
Deputy Brain Stanley raised in an Oireachtas Committee the issue of radon in Laois and Offaly and the urgent need for a remediation scheme to be established to protect householders.
“There are a number of zones in Laois and Offaly that are at higher risk and are more prone to radon and its potential detrimental effects on health. Areas in Laois such as Ballylinan, Graiguecullen, some of the Ballyfin and Rosanallis , as well as Croghan and north of Rhode in Offaly are particularly affected,” Deputy Stanley said.
“Homes built since 1997 should have been fitted with a radon barrier. Homes without this protection, and particularly households in the areas that are most affected, need a scheme of testing and to carry out remediation works to protect health.
“There needs to be an accurate assessment of the risks posed. Radon gas is a silent killer and the second largest cause of lung cancer in the State, second only to smoking, and causing five deaths a week.
Road accidents
“That is more deaths than through road traffic accidents. The Minister has committed to putting in place a pilot scheme. I asked this be proceeded with and the area’s most susceptible in Laois and Offaly be included.
“The Minister mentioned problems with legislation from 2002 and this needs to be addressed. If we need new legislation then the Minister should bring it forward,” he said.
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