This article is from page 2 of the 2006-06-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
THREE Ennis businesses have become the first companies convicted of failing to measure the cancer-causing gas, radon, in their workplaces.
Woodstock Golf and Country Club and Shannonside Oil, Clare Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to the offence, at Ennis District Court last Thursday. The Clare Champion newspaper had entered a plea of guilty, at a previous sitting of the court last December.
The prosecutor, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) had sought an adjournment of a case involving a fourth accused, Paddy Power bookmakers. However Judge Joseph Mangan stressed that the case was in for hearing and dismissed it.
Solicitor for the RPII, Harry Mooney told the court the Institute can issue directions to employers to carry out tests for the naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon.
He said companies are given six months to carry out the tests. The companies concerned were directed to carry out the assessments in May 2004, but did not do so within the required timeframe, he said.
“Shortly before the expiry of the six-month limit, a reminder was issued, but the tests were not carried out,” said Mr Mooney.
“The defendants have now carried out the tests. The test results reported back now show that there was no cause for concern,” he added.
The solicitor said Ennis was targeted, because, “statistically, information suggests the town may have radon problems. . . Thankfully tests carried out at these three premises show they have no problems with radon.”
Solicitor Isobel O’Dea, who acted as agent for Shannonside Oil, said the accused understood that Irish Shell, who owns the depot, was responsible for carrying out the tests and that it was an oversight.
Ms O’Dea, who also represented The Clare Champion , said the company’s Managing Director John Galvin regretted the tests weren’t carried out and apologised for the oversight.
Sharon Cahir, representing Woodstock Golf and Country Club, said results carried out on the premises over a six-month period were “very low.” All three had been also accused of failing to submit results, but these summonses were struck out, on application, with no objection from the Prosecutor.
Judge Joseph Mangan imposed fines of €500 on Shannonside Oil and Woodstock Golf and Country Club, and €300 on The Clare Champion . He said he was giving credit to The Clare Champion , for entering a plea, at the initial court hearing in December. All three were ordered to pay €600 costs.
These convictions are the first imposed for this offence in Ireland.
Last month, three businesses in Tralee were ordered to pay into the court poorbox, for failing to carry out tests for radon. Costs in those cases were not allowed and no convictions were imposed.