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Barking Dogs a Major Source of Noise Complaint in Northern Ireland

Report reveals noise levels

BBC News - London,England,UK - December 3, 2004

Loud music and barking dogs accounted for most of the complaints about noise made to councils in Northern Ireland last year.

Some 8,397 noise complaints were made to the 26 councils, according to the DoE Environment and Heritage Service.

In its report, published on Friday, it said 52% of complaints were received by Belfast City Council.

The report also revealed that 82% of complaints were in relation to noise from domestic premises.

Commercial premises such as pubs and clubs accounted for only 9% 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 spokesperson added that when adjusted for population size, significant numbers of complaints were received by Coleraine and Carrickfergus councils.

Fermanagh and Cookstown had the lowest level of noise complaints.

The highest levels of enforcement activity were reported by Belfast and Coleraine councils.

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

Complaints about noise are also made to other public bodies such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

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

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