Minister Muir designates Lagan Meadows as a Quiet Area
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has designated Lagan Meadows as a Quiet Area following an eight-week public consultation.
The designation was strongly supported during the public consultation and adds another Quiet Area to those previously designated in 2016 at Connor Park/Stricklands Glen (Bangor West), Bashfordlands (Carrickfergus) and Carnmoney Hill – Upper (Newtownabbey).
The formal designation of Lagan Meadows as a Quiet Area recognises the importance of getting respite from noise, particularly in an urban setting, given the adverse health impacts of unwanted sound. The noise level at Lagan Meadows is currently good and the designation aims to preserve it at this level and prevent any increase.
Speaking about the designation, Minister Muir commented: “Excessive noise can cause annoyance; with research showing a range of impacts including issues such as sleep disturbance, hearing impairment, tinnitus and cognitive impairment plus increased risk of high blood pressure and ischemic heart disease.
“These findings highlight the real need for places such as Quiet Areas, tranquil spaces nestled within an urban landscape, to provide an essential means of escape from the pressures of our noisy everyday lives.”
Protecting Lagan Meadows from an increase in noise levels will be achieved principally by District Councils. This can be done through their local development plans, as well as through the planning process where potential increases in noise must also be considered.
Map of Lagan Meadows Quiet Area.
Notes to editors:
- The Department launched an eight-week consultation on the designation of Lagan Meadows as a Quiet Area on 1 June 2026. This consultation has now closed; a summary of responses to the consultation can be found at this link: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/summary-responses-consultation-designation-lagan-meadows-quiet-area-pursuant-environmental-noise-regulations-northern-ireland-2006.
- A further map showing the three previously designated Quiet Areas is located here: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/belfast-agglomeration-map-showing-three-quiet-areas.
- Identifying Quiet Areas in agglomerations is a formal procedure under Regulation 40 of the Environmental Noise Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006. Its purpose is not simply to recognise a peaceful place, but to help preserve and protect environmental noise quality where it is already good.
- DAERA’s Quiet Area guidance can be found here: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/daera/Guidance%20on%20the%20Identification%20Designation%20and%20Management%20of%20Quiet%20Areas%20-%20September%202016.pdf.
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