Radon Testing and Mitigation in Ireland

Radon testing and mitigation is a regulated advice service. A professional assesses the radon risk in your home or workplace, carries out or arranges testing, interprets the results, and where necessary designs a mitigation system. The customer describes the property, its location, construction type, and any previous test results. ShamFix publishes the task and allows you to browse provider profiles by county and contact them directly. The advice you receive should be documented. Ask for a written report that sets out the test locations, the measurement period, the results in becquerels per cubic metre, and the recommended course of action. For mitigation, the design should reference the relevant Irish building regulations and be specific to the property. The work may involve a radon sump, sub-floor depressurisation, improved ventilation, or sealing of entry routes. The professional should explain what is included and what is not, and whether a post-mitigation test is part of the service. Posting a task on ShamFix costs nothing today.

Radon testing and mitigation: this category is busy and nearly empty

Demand for radon testing and mitigation on ShamFix is high, and at most one provider is listed.

What shapes the price of radon testing and mitigation

Radon testing and mitigation pricing depends on several factors.

Radon in Irish buildings: what the numbers mean and who may measure it

Radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre, and Ireland has one national figure that decides whether action is advised. Knowing that number, and the two public registers behind it, turns a vague worry into a short checklist.

The national Reference Level is 200 Bq/m3

The Environmental Protection Agency sets the Reference Level for Irish homes at 200 becquerels per cubic metre. Above that figure, the EPA advises taking action to reduce the level. For context, the average Irish home measures 77 Bq/m3, so most results come back well below the threshold.

High Radon Areas and the EPA map

Radon comes from the ground, so risk depends on where the building stands. The EPA publishes an interactive radon map, and parts of the country are designated High Radon Areas. Checking the address on that map is the first step and costs nothing.

How the measurement works, and who is registered to do it

A standard test uses passive detectors left in the building for three months, which are then analysed by a laboratory, and the EPA publishes a measurement protocol for homes and workplaces that the test should follow. The EPA also maintains a list of registered radon testing services and a list of registered contractors for measuring radon in buildings, so a provider can be checked against a public register rather than a claim. The result arrives as a written report giving the concentration in Bq/m3.

Workplaces carry a duty, homes do not

If a workplace sits in a High Radon Area on the EPA workplace map, the employer must test it. For an existing private home there is no obligation to test or to remediate, only the EPA recommendation once a result exceeds the Reference Level. This is the single biggest difference between a commercial and a domestic enquiry.

New buildings and Part C

Radon protection measures for new buildings fall under Part C of the Building Regulations and its technical guidance. A new dwelling is built with preventive measures in place rather than remediated afterwards. For a new build, ask the builder what was installed and whether provision was made for a sump.

What to ask for after remediation works

Remediation usually means sub-slab depressurisation, a sump system, or improved ventilation. The useful proof is a fresh measurement taken after the system is running, showing the level it achieved. Ask for that post-works report together with a written description of what was installed, so the next owner of the building has both.

Radon testing and mitigation questions people ask

How long does a radon test take in an Irish home?

A standard radon test takes at least three months. Detectors are placed in the home and left undisturbed for that period to capture an average radon level. This duration accounts for daily and seasonal variations. Shorter tests are available but less reliable. After collection, laboratory analysis usually takes one to three weeks.

What radon level is considered safe in Ireland?

The reference level for radon in Ireland is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³) for homes and workplaces. If your result is at or above this level, mitigation is recommended. Below 200 Bq/m³, the risk is lower but not zero. The aim of mitigation is to reduce radon as low as reasonably achievable.

What does radon mitigation involve?

Radon mitigation usually involves installing a system to prevent radon from entering the building. Common methods include a radon sump with a fan to draw gas from beneath the floor, improved underfloor ventilation, and sealing cracks and gaps. The design depends on your property. A professional will assess and recommend the most suitable approach.

How much does radon testing and mitigation cost in Ireland?

Costs vary widely. Testing is often a fixed fee per property, covering detectors and laboratory analysis. Mitigation is quoted per project and depends on the property size, foundation type, and system chosen. Ask for a detailed written quotation that separates testing, design, installation, and any follow-up testing, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Do I need to move out during radon mitigation works?

In most cases, you do not need to move out. Mitigation work is usually carried out with minimal disruption, often in a day or two. However, if extensive work is required or if the system involves significant drilling, you may prefer to be away for part of the day. Discuss this with your contractor in advance.

Can I carry out radon testing myself?

You can place detectors yourself if you follow the instructions carefully, but interpretation and mitigation design should be done by a professional. Self-testing kits are available, but the results still need proper analysis. For accurate advice and any necessary mitigation, engage a qualified professional who can provide a report and recommend next steps.

Radon Testing and Mitigation in Ireland