Causeway Coast and Glens Council is being asked to ‘take a beat’ before issuing any Noise Abatement Notices for Lambeg Drum practicing.

The request has come from the North Antrim UUP MLA Jon Burrows and will be discussed at the next meeting of Council’s Environmental Services Committee on November 11.

In a letter to Council’s Chief Executive, MLA Burrows says that he has been in contact with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) regarding the use of Noise Abatement Notices under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in circumstances involving the playing of the Lambeg Drum.

The MLA added: “Given the potential human rights implications, I have formally requested that the NIHRC provide guidance on the appropriate balance between statutory environmental powers and the protection of cultural rights in this context.

An example of a Lambeg drum being played.

placeholder image — An example of a Lambeg drum being played.

"In the interim, I would respectfully request that your council pause the issuing or enforcement of any further Noise Abatement Notices specifically relating to the practice of the Lambeg Drum until guidance has been received from the NIHRC.”

MLA Burrows is issuing the request to all eleven local Councils in Northern Ireland and added in his letter: “I will ensure that all councils are promptly informed once a response is received from the Commission.”