22/05/2002

Barking dogs and music drive people mad

Noisy neighbours annoy over one in three people in the UK, a major survey has revealed.

The research published on Noise Action Day shows that in Northern Ireland barking dogs are the most common source of complaint for 79% of people, with music the second most common for 64%.

Commenting on the research by the Building Research Establishment, Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt said: “My message today on noise action day is very simple - don’t be a noisy neighbour. After all, eight out of ten people actually hear noise from neighbours and one in five people state that their home life is affected by it.

“This, therefore, is a matter which must be taken very seriously. I commend the work being done by the local authorities in NI and would encourage people to avail of their services.

“Further, it is encouraging to note that in an increasingly busy society, overall outdoor noise levels remained almost constant over the past decade. But we must not be complacent. There is still much to be done, especially with noisy dogs and music. Problems created by noise will not be solved simply by research or by Government - everyone has a part play. Let us all show consideration and not be a noisy neighbour.”

(AMcE)

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