According to a report by DOE’s Planning and Environmental Policy Group, during 2007/8, there were 11,705 complaints made to councils.
But while this represented a 2% decrease on the previous year’s figures, it was still 39% more than 2003/4.
The report also revealed Belfast was the place which attracted the most complaints.
Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson said: “The results showed noise pollution was still a serious issue for many people. 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. This can be prevented in the first instance by greater co-operation between neighbours and by people behaving in a more considerate manner.
“Where neighbours behave unreasonably and cause noise nuisance, action can be taken by local councils.”
District councils have the main responsibility for investigating and dealing with most types of complaint about noise nuisance from the general public.
Half of the complaints detailed in the report were received by Belfast City Council. When adjusted for population size, significant numbers of complaints were also received by Carrickfergus, Ards and Coleraine Borough Councils.
The lowest levels of noise complaint were reported by Castlereagh, Fermanagh, Magherafelt and Moyle Councils.
The vast majority of complaints made to district councils (82%) were in relation to noise from domestic premises, such as loud music, television, parties and barking dogs.
Commercial and leisure premises accounted for 6% of all noise complaints, with the main source being entertainment premises. Only 2% of complaints related to noise from industrial activities.
Notes to Editors:
1. Additional copies of the report, including a full breakdown of results in District Council areas as well as the reasons for the noise complaints, can be obtained from DOE, Planning and Environmental Policy Group, 20-24 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GP. It is also available online
2. Complaints about noise are also made to other public bodies such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
3. For further information, contact Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0003 and out-of-hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer Tel: 07699 715440
