McIlveen welcomes reduction in noise complaints

Environment Minister Michelle McIlveen has welcomed the lowest number of noise complaints since 2005 recorded by district councils.

Statistical Report ’Noise Complaint Statistics for Northern Ireland 2015-2016, published today, shows that 10,754 complaints were received in 2015/16, compared to 11,951 the previous year, a reduction of 10%.

Domestic noise remains the largest cause of noise complaints across the province, with 79% of noise complaints relating to noise from domestic premises. Of these complaints 41% relate to loud music, televisions and parties and 37% to animal noise.

Commenting on the report released today, Environment Minister Michelle McIlveen said: “I welcome the figures published today, showing that the number of noise complaints in 2015/16 reduced by 10%, and were the lowest number of complaints recorded since 2005.

“Noise causes annoyance, stress, sleep disturbance and other serious conditions and can seriously affect people’s health. I commend the councils for their on-going work in tackling noise nuisance and encourage them to continue to make full use of powers available to them in addressing any complaints.”

The report finds the second largest contributor to noise complaints to be commercial and leisure premises with noise from entertainment premises accounting for over half of the complaints in this category. This year noise in the street represented 5% of noise complaints with industrial and construction noise complaints each accounting for 2% of the total complaints received.

Notes to editors: 

1. The report is available on DAERA Website.
2. Domestic noise accounts for 79% of all complaints this year, followed by complaints relating to commerce and leisure (8%), noise in the street (7%) and transport and industry each accounting for 2% of complaints. Industrial noise accounts for 2%.
3. The domestic noise sources most complained about in 2015/16 are loud music, televisions and parties which accounted for 41% of domestic noise complaints. Animal noise represents 37% and other neighbourhood noise was the cause of a further 16% of domestic noise complaints
4. The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs collates the figures on the numbers of complaints which have been provided to it by the district councils. Thus, the Department is not in a position to comment on trends or specific findings. All queries regarding complaints should be referred to the relevant district council.
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