Menu
17/12/2008
Noisy Neighbours Plague Belfast, Says Report
'Love thy Neighbour' may be a commandment that is one of the hardest to follow around NI's capital city as Belfast has proved to be the noisiest neighbourhood in Northern Ireland.
Figures released by the Department of Environment on Wednesday show that of nearly 12,000 noise complaints registered in the region in the last year, half came from people in Belfast.
Even taking account the city's size and population, that is proportionately high, with its average of 22 complaints per 1,000 people more than double that of any other area.
The next highest rate of complaint was in Coleraine, which registered around nine per 1,000.
Other areas with significant numbers of complaints were Carrickfergus and Ards.
The lowest levels were reported by Castlereagh, Fermanagh, Magherafelt and Moyle Councils.
A total of 11,705 complaints were made to councils in 2007/08.
While this was 2% down on the previous year, it was still 39% more than 2003/04.
The vast majority of complaints (82%) related to noise from domestic premises, such as loud music, television, parties and barking dogs.
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said the results showed noise pollution was still a serious issue for many people.
The DUP representative said: "We are all guilty of making noise, but we must remember that when we make too much noise it can cause severe distress to those affected by it."
Most of the complaints involve noise caused by neighbours, the statistics showed and while this can be prevented in the first instance by greater cooperation between neighbours and by people behaving in a more considerate manner, those neighbours who behave unreasonably and cause noise nuisance, can have action taken against them by local councils.
Enforcement is by district councils who have the main responsibility for investigating and dealing with most types of complaint about noise nuisance from the general public.
Other figures revealed that commercial and leisure premises accounted for just 6% of all complaints last year, with the main source being entertainment premises - such as bars and nightclubs.
Only 2% of complaints related to noise from industrial activities.
(BMcC)
Figures released by the Department of Environment on Wednesday show that of nearly 12,000 noise complaints registered in the region in the last year, half came from people in Belfast.
Even taking account the city's size and population, that is proportionately high, with its average of 22 complaints per 1,000 people more than double that of any other area.
The next highest rate of complaint was in Coleraine, which registered around nine per 1,000.
Other areas with significant numbers of complaints were Carrickfergus and Ards.
The lowest levels were reported by Castlereagh, Fermanagh, Magherafelt and Moyle Councils.
A total of 11,705 complaints were made to councils in 2007/08.
While this was 2% down on the previous year, it was still 39% more than 2003/04.
The vast majority of complaints (82%) related to noise from domestic premises, such as loud music, television, parties and barking dogs.
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said the results showed noise pollution was still a serious issue for many people.
The DUP representative said: "We are all guilty of making noise, but we must remember that when we make too much noise it can cause severe distress to those affected by it."
Most of the complaints involve noise caused by neighbours, the statistics showed and while this can be prevented in the first instance by greater cooperation between neighbours and by people behaving in a more considerate manner, those neighbours who behave unreasonably and cause noise nuisance, can have action taken against them by local councils.
Enforcement is by district councils who have the main responsibility for investigating and dealing with most types of complaint about noise nuisance from the general public.
Other figures revealed that commercial and leisure premises accounted for just 6% of all complaints last year, with the main source being entertainment premises - such as bars and nightclubs.
Only 2% of complaints related to noise from industrial activities.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2005
Noise Awareness campaign launched
A new Noise Awareness Campaign which aims to inform noisy neighbours that ‘Too Loud is Not Allowed!’ has been launched by the DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service. Recently released figures estimate that one in four people in the UK suffer noise disturbance from neighbours.
Noise Awareness campaign launched
A new Noise Awareness Campaign which aims to inform noisy neighbours that ‘Too Loud is Not Allowed!’ has been launched by the DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service. Recently released figures estimate that one in four people in the UK suffer noise disturbance from neighbours.
01 August 2022
Over 9% Fall In Number Of Noise Complaints
The number of noise complaints received by district councils between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020 decreased by 9.6%, according to a report published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Figures collated by district councils show that a total of 11,356 complaints were received in 2018/19, down 9.
Over 9% Fall In Number Of Noise Complaints
The number of noise complaints received by district councils between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020 decreased by 9.6%, according to a report published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Figures collated by district councils show that a total of 11,356 complaints were received in 2018/19, down 9.
15 August 2006
Number of noise complaints rise in NI
The Department of Environment (DOE) has today revealed that noise complaints in Northern Ireland have increased by 13% over the last year. The report provides information relating to the number and type of noise complaints received by all 26 district councils in Northern Ireland, from 2005 to 2006.
Number of noise complaints rise in NI
The Department of Environment (DOE) has today revealed that noise complaints in Northern Ireland have increased by 13% over the last year. The report provides information relating to the number and type of noise complaints received by all 26 district councils in Northern Ireland, from 2005 to 2006.
23 May 2005
Action on noise is a great success say DoE
A DoE report has revealed that almost 80% of people in Northern Ireland regard noisy neighbours to be a serious issue. The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has published a report on its first ever Noise Awareness Campaign in February this year to mark Noise Action Week which began today.
Action on noise is a great success say DoE
A DoE report has revealed that almost 80% of people in Northern Ireland regard noisy neighbours to be a serious issue. The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has published a report on its first ever Noise Awareness Campaign in February this year to mark Noise Action Week which began today.
07 July 2005
Noise complaints on the increase
A new report published today by the DoE's Environment and Heritage Service has revealed that noise complaints increased by 20% last year. The statistics show that there were 10,047 noise complaints made to Northern Ireland’s 26 District Councils in 2004/05. Over half of the complaints were received by Belfast City Council.
Noise complaints on the increase
A new report published today by the DoE's Environment and Heritage Service has revealed that noise complaints increased by 20% last year. The statistics show that there were 10,047 noise complaints made to Northern Ireland’s 26 District Councils in 2004/05. Over half of the complaints were received by Belfast City Council.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
