Radon designation

She was speaking at a meeting of Moyle Council where it was heard as a result of the declaration all new dwellings in the radon zone will have to have radon protection measures built in to them.

But at the same time, an area which took in to the south of Ballycastle and to the east of Armoy and also Fair Head/Torr Head and an area near Cushendall - which were included on a radon map in 1999 - are not included on the 2009 map.

And David Kelly, Head of Building Control at Moyle Council, said the radon measures which were in place for new buildings in those areas can now be relaxed.

Mr Kelly said: “The previously designated zone was the Glens side of Ballycastle and the new zone is the west side. We can now grant a relaxation in the old zone but in the new zone we have a duty of care that they should put in a radon membrane.”

A ‘radon’ map shows that in the area west of Ballycastle the percentage of homes at or above the action level is between one and three per cent.

Cllr McShane said the designation is a “concern” and a “worrying development” and she said if people have concerns that radon levels could be higher than normal in their homes they can contact the health authorities.

Mr Kelly said tests can be carried out.

Independent councillor Seamus Blaney said implementing the measures at homes is “pretty expensive”.

Councillors heard existing homes in the new radon area do not need to fit under-floor membranes if they don’t want to but they can ask for radon tests to be carried out.

The Times asked the Department of Environment why one local area had dropped off the radon map and a new one appeared.

A Department of Environment spokesman said: “The 1999 radon map was based on information obtained from properties located within 5km squares of the Irish Grid whereas the 2009 map is based on data obtained from 1km grid squares.

“The 2009 map is therefore more detailed and incorporates approximately 8000 more results than the previous map. The results for some areas have changed including the area to the east of Ballycastle.

“An estimate of radon potential in any given area is based on the results obtained from properties closest to that area. We don't claim that any estimate is the final answer - it could change if we get more results in the future.

“In radon mapping, we are always doing the best we can with limited data. Having said that, we are very fortunate in the UK that we have better data than any other country, so can produce more detailed and accurate radon maps.

“For further information, please see our website: www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pollution-home/radiation/radon.htm and in particular the presentation on radon mapping by Jon Miles,” said the spokesman.