COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

QUESTION NO.  2

QUESTION: Councillor William Joseph Carey

"To ask the Chief Executive to initiate a report on the extent and prevalence of asbestos in homes in the South Dublin area and to ascertain if asbestos levels found in properties belonging to SDCC pose a risk to residents. NB. this question comes as a result of asbestos being found in a property in the (address removed) and has become an issue of concern locally?"

REPLY:

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM’s) were widely used as a building material dating between 1940 and 1985.  Asbestos was mainly mixed with other material to improve sound and heat insulating properties.  Within the domestic setting, the use of ACM’s was extensive and included cement roof sheeting, boiler and pipe insulation, fireproof insulating boards, floor tyles and adhesives.  

From independent scientific and medical research, it is established that ACM’s do not pose risk to occupiers of a building unless the material has been damaged or disturbed, typically due to renovation works. As such, asbestos surveys are carried out by the Housing Maintenance Section based on a need and risk basis to identify the presence of ACM's prior to planned renovation or demolition works. Were ACM’s have been identified as present in a building, this does not necessarily imply that the material needs to be removed. Depending on the works involved, quite often the safest option is the maintain the asbestos on site in a safe manner, thereby reducing the potential of releasing asbestos fibres into the air.  The decision to remove or maintain ACM’s on site is based on a risk assessment evaluation which is carried out by a competent assessor, ensuring the appropriate recommendations and actions are in place.

In the event a tenant is aware of, or suspects, potential damaged or deteriorating Asbestos Containing Material in a council property, the tenant is advised to contact Housing Maintenance Section were an inspection of the property and material will be carried out to determine the appropriate course of action required.