Skip the NI Direct Bar
Skip navigation

First Northern Ireland noise maps go live

Thursday, 20 December 2007

The first ever interactive maps showing noise levels across Northern Ireland have been published online.

They will help people to identify levels of noise from road vehicles, trains, aircraft, or industry at a number of locations. The Noise Mapping NI project initiative was led by DoE and can be viewed at the www.noiseni.co.uk It is the first step under an EC Environmental Noise Directive that aims to ensure quieter urban living.

Northern Ireland is the first region to report noise maps to the European Commission.

The maps will be used by ‘competent authorities’, including airports, public transport companies and government departments, to draw up action plans by July 2008. The DoE will be working closely with the competent authorities to help them to develop their action plans to reduce excessive noise and to protect quiet areas.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster said: “Noise pollution is a serious issue for many people. Anyone concerned about it can now access data on noise levels created by our busiest transport sources and largest industrial sites. The website also offers information on how many people are exposed to different levels of noise.

“These noise maps are the first of their kind in Northern Ireland and are a credit to the agencies and private sector companies involved in their production. The Noise Mapping NI project also highlights my department’s commitment to develop effective stakeholder involvement in tackling environmental issues.”

The competent authorities responsible for producing the maps are the Department of the Environment, Department for Regional Development, Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.

Notes to Editors:

  1. The maps have been produced in accordance with European Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise.
  2. For further media information, contact DOE press office, Tel: 028 9054 0003 and out-of-hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer, Tel: 07699 715 440.