03/12/2004

Report reveals high level of noise complaints

There have been more than 8,000 complaints regarding noise to local councils over the past year, it was revealed today.

A new report, published by DoE Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) on Friday, showed 8,397 noise complaints were made to Councils during 2003/04 with the majority of these (52%) were received by Belfast City Council.

When adjusted for population size, significant numbers of complaints were also received by Coleraine and Carrickfergus Councils. Fermanagh and Cookstown had the lowest level of noise complaints.

An EHS spokesperson said: “The vast majority of complaints (82%) made to District Councils, were in relation to noise from domestic premises, such as loud music and barking dogs.

“Commercial premises and leisure facilities accounted for 9% of all noise complaints, with the main source being pubs and clubs. Only 2% of complaints related to noise from industrial activities.”

The report on noise complaint statistics provides information on the number and type of noise complaints, received by all 26 District Councils in Northern Ireland, for the period 2003/2004.

District Councils have the main responsibility for investigating and dealing with most types of complaint from the public about noise nuisance.

(MB/SP)

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