Animal noise is source of most complaints

Figures published by the Department of the Environment show that 99 complaints were made to the local authority between April 2014 to March 2015 – a decline of 14.7 per cent on the previous year.

The domestic noise source complained about the most in Larne was animal noise (59 complaints), followed by loud music, TV or parties (19).

Other complaints related to entertainment premises, DIY, house alarms, construction, agriculture, sports and leisure and road vehicles.

The report showed that noise complaints received by councils across NI have risen by less than less than one per cent in the same period, with 11,951 received in 2014/15 compared to 11,865 the previous year.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “Noise is a very real problem and should not be underestimated. Noise can seriously harm human health and interfere with people’s daily activities. I therefore welcome the work of district councils to address noise pollution.”