Most noise complaints in Belfast

Half of the complaints about noise made in Northern Ireland are in Belfast, the Department of the Environment has said.

The department's Planning and Environmental Policy Group said 11,705 complaints were made to councils during 2007/8.

While this is a 2% decrease on the previous year's figures, it was still 39% more than 2003/4.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said 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," he said.

"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.