Radon survey in Trim estate

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) is currently conducting a survey in the Mornington Heights estate in Trim to investigate if there are high levels of radon gas in the area. A group of residents who are concerned about the apparently high levels of cancer diagnosis in the estate formed a committee last year to try to find out the reasons for what they say are high levels of cancer cases. They recently lodged a petition with the HSE, signed by 600 local people, calling on the the authority to carry out a full health assessment into the numbers of cancer cases in the estate. In January, a large group of residents also held a protest calling for a telecommunications mast on the Mornington Heights green to be removed over fears that the mast may have health implications. However, Chorus NTL, which owns the mast, said there should be no cause for concern as it is an enclosed system and it is not used as a radio transmitting aerial. Residents are also calling for other nearby masts to be moved out of residential areas to a site outside the town. As part of their campaign, the committee recently contacted the RPII to carry out a survey into levels of radon gas in the estate and the news that this survey is being carried out with results due in the coming weeks has been welcomed by Cllr Ray Butler who has been working with local residents on the issue over the past year. He said: 'This is an important step forward for the local residents, who are gravely concerned for their health and that of their children. The survey will check all local environmental health issues, and a report is expected to issue subsequently.' The RPII carries out extensive monitoring of radiological activity in the food chain and the environment, in fulfilment of its statutory obligation to 'monitor activity of ionising radiation levels in anything in the State or in waters surrounding the State'. Cllr Butler said that long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer and that the magnitude of the risk depends on the amount of radon present, and the length of the exposure. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein councillor Caroline Lynch recently met with residents to discuss getting the mast removed from the estate and organised for Pauline Keeley from 'Better Environment, Safer Telecommunications" the national network of anti-mast groups, to speak to the group. Ms Keeley complimented the residents on their campaign and advised that it would be a long and difficult battle. She also said that it is important to report and eliminate any other carcinogens in the area such as radon and the illegal burning of tyres nearby. Residents were advised to utilise the National Cancer Statistics Office and Environmental Protection Agency. Cllr Lynch said: 'There is a need for focus and strategy if we are to remove this mast. This means using the current Town Development Plan, amending this and using planning enforcement procedures. It means ensuring cross-party support for a change in legislation. Unfortunately, my motion earlier this month received no support. The other councillors should reflect on that position and put the residents of Mornington and children of St Mary"s NS first.'