Radon level double norm in parts of Deer Lodge facility

THE HSE insists that raised radon levels within parts of the Deer Lodge mental health facility in Killarney pose “no immediate danger” to either staff or residents, with necessary remediation works beginning this week.

The raised levels in the Killarney unit were recorded during monitoring carried out between March and June 2017, in line with normal practice for new facilities, and the HSE did not receive results until the opening of Deer Lodge.

Levels there were measured at more than 170 points, with 21 points above the facility’s reference level of 200Bq per cubic metre.

A dozen of these points were above 400Bq/m3, with two over 500Bq/m3.

Cormac Williams of Psychiatric Nurses Assocation (PNA) Kerry said members reacted with shock when informed of the news.

“It is astonishing that any level of radon should be detected within such a modern public building project,” Mr Williams said of the €13 million facility.

“In light of this development, I am to request a full written report [on] the levels of radon detected within Deer Lodge to date.

“We will also have to consider asking the Health and Safety Authority to review this whole situation.”

The HSE Head of Mental Health Services for Cork and Kerry, Sinéad Glennon, said the HSE was not aware of any issues in relation to raised radon levels in advance of the opening of the St Margaret’s Road facility.

“In line with best practice for the opening of new buildings, we commissioned a threemonth Radon Monitoring study immediately in advance of the opening of Deer Lodge”, she said.

“I am assured by the HSE Estates that a Radon barrier was installed within the new building.”

A plan is now in place and funding is available for necessary remediation works, mainly involving internal and external electrical works.

Ms Glennon said that work is due to commence this week and will take approximately two weeks to complete.

“I am assured that this will resolve the issue,” she said. “but as confirmation of same, it is planned to repeat monitoring following completion of the remedial works,” she added.